


■;v,v 



m 



HS 



BttWi 



: .'-.'. 



388 ESSS '' 
LttytSvtW 



B ••'•--. v. 
Mmmmvm 



fin 



W----V •■-■ ■■•••■ 

«>►■••■• . > ■ 



UmwMffi •'■'-".•.:. 

WWMwfl ftflftftf JWuDlJDQjuuQnaDDL .( 
JftwWM nflHfftlfVWLTJlJwUULfnnf off 

' ' — ." ' •■>•■ : '■■>".'.•.: ■, ■ 
•.■•••'..•.•.'•; "...:; : . .•.••■ 

BflMBMDfl Mg g w wwM o mBS 



wSH&P 



flniWWVWUUUUUUUQgyilODC 

ggSsHgn 

mBBSl ..v.' SB 5598 
v •■•■••■■'• i-.-V.: ■■■■■• • 

H Rfl ■■';■ ••• .•;■.- 

WW "•'• ■■-"■' ' I ' ' '■■ 







Book » C 1 S £T 



SCRIPTURE CATECHISM: 



BEING 



A COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY, 



IN THE FORM OP 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 



ARRANGED ACCORDING TO 



TOWNSEND S CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE. 



BY WILLIAM H. CREAGH. 



REVISED BY THE EDITORS. 






V 



~ j 



NEW-YORK 



PUBLISHED BY T. MASON AND G. LANE, 

For the Sunday School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
at the Conference Office, 200 Mulberry-street. 

J. Collord, Printer. 
1840. 



' 



PREFACE B3&6S 
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM. 



This little work has been prepared with care 
and attention, in the hope of its being useful in 
promoting religious education, and in lessening 
the difficulty of acquiring a knowledge of the 
Bible. It contains a general and connected 
account of the most important events recorded 
in the Old and New Testaments, and may be 
used with benefit by all to whom its contents 
are not familiar. The compiler has been for 
many years connected with the Sunday school 
of the Vestry-street church, and this work was 
undertaken with the approbation and advice of 
his associates there. To them he respectfully 
and affectionately dedicates it, as a token of his 
cherished remembrance of the kindness and 
friendship with which they have long been 
united, trusting that by thus reminding them 
of the past they may be encouraged for the 
future. 



" Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 
1840, by T. Mason and G. Lane, in the Clerk's Office 
of the District Court of the Southern District of New- 
York." 



COMPEND 

DP 

SACRED HISTORY 



From the Creation to the Deluge, comprising a period 
of 1656 years. 

What is the first event recorded in the Bible ? 

The creation of the heavens and the earth. „ 

In what state was the earth when first created? 

It was without form and void, and darkness was upon 
the face of the deep. 

How long was God in creating all things ? 
He made them by his word in the space of six days. 

What did God do on the seventh day"? 
He rested from all the works which he had made ; 
and he blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it. 

What was the last and noblest work of God ? 
The creation of man in his own image and after his 
own likeness. 

How did God make man ? 

He formed his body out of the dust of the earth, and 
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man 
became a living soul. 

Where did God put the man when he had 
made him 1 

The Lord planted a garden in Eden, and there he 
put the man whom he had formed. 

What power did God give him ? 
H^ gave him dominion over the whole earth, and over 
eve*/ thing that hath life upon the earth. 

What command did he give him ? 

He said,— v i* every tree in the garden thou mayest 



4 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and 
evil thou shalt not eat. 

What were the names of the first man and 
woman ? 

Adam and Eve. 

Did they keep the commandment which God 
had given them ? 

No ; an evil spirit entered into the serpent and per- 
suaded Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, and she per- 
suaded Adam. 

1 What was the consequence of their disobe- 
dience ? 

They were driven out of the garden of Eden, and be- 
came subject to sin and death ; the ground was cursed 
for their sakes, and all their children were born with 
sinful natures. 

What were the names of their two elder sons ? 
Cain and Abel. 

What were their employments ? 
Abel was a keeper of sheep ; and Cain was a tiller 
of the ground. 

What acts of worship did they perform ? 
Cain brought unto the Lord some of the fruits of the 
earth ; and Abel of the firstlings of his flock. 

How did God regard their offerings ? 
He had respect unto Abel and his offering ; but unto 
Cain and his offering he had not respect. 

How was Cain affected, and what did he do ? 
He was very angry, and slew his brother Abel. 

Why did Cain kill his brother 1 
Because his own works were evil, and his brother's 
righteous. 

How did God punish him for this dreadful act 
of wickedness ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 5 

He drove him from that place ; and Cain became 
a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth. 

What was the name of Adam's third son ? 

Seth. 

Who were the most celebrated of Seth's de- 
scendants ? 

Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, 
Lamech, and Noah. 

For what was Enoch celebrated'? 

For his piety ; he walked with God three hundred 
years, and was afterward taken to heaven without 
dying. 

Which was the oldest of all the patriarchs ? 

Methuselah, who was nine hundred and sixty-nine 
years old when he died. 

How many sons had Noah ! 

Three, who were called Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 

What is said of Noah ? 

That he was a just man, and perfect in his genera- 
tion, and that he walked with God. 

What was the state of the people at that time ? 

God saw that the wickedness of man was great : and 
that the whole earth was corrupt, and filled with 
violence. 

What did God then determine to do 1 

To destroy man whom he had created, and all flesh 
wherein was the breath of life. 

How was the world to be destroyed ? 

By a flood of waters, which should cover the earth. 

Who were to be saved when the world was 
drowned ? 

Noah and his family ; besides two living creatures of 
every kind that dwelt upon the face of the earth. 

What did God command Noah to do ? 

To build an ark, or great vessel of wood, in which 
they might be saved. 

Did God suddenly destroy the people ? 



6 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY 

No : he directed Noah to warn them of their danger, 
and he continued to do so for one hundred and twenty 
years. 

What did Noah do at the end of that time ? 

He went into the ark with all his family ; and took 
with him two of every beast, and all cattle, and every 
creeping thing that hath life ; and the Lord shut him 
in. 

What then took place ? 

After seven days the windows of heaven were 
opened, and the fountains of the great deep were broken 
up ; and the rain descended for forty days and forty 
nights. 

What was the result of this ? 

The waters continued to increase until the tops of 
the highest mountains were covered, and every thing 
upon the face of the earth was destroyed. 

How long did the flood continue upon the 
earth? 

One year and ten days. 

What became of Noah during that time ? 

The ark floated upon the top of the waters for one 
hundred and fifty days, after which it rested upon one 
of the mountains of Ararat. 

How did Noah find out when the waters were 
abating ? 

He sent out a dove, which could find no resting place, 
and returned. He sent her again after seven days and 
she brought back an olive branch. And when he sent 
her the third time she returned no more. 

What did Noah then do ? 

He removed the covering of the ark and looked out, 
and saw that the face of the earth was dry ; so he went 
forth out of the ark with his family, and every thing that 
was with him. 

What solemn act of worship did Noah imme- 
diately perform 1 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 7 

He built an altar unto the Lord, and offered thereon 
sacrifices and burnt-offerings. 

Was God pleased with this mark of Noah's 
gratitude 1 

He was ; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not 
again curse the ground any more for man's sake, neither 
will I again smite every living thing as I have done. 

How did God farther show his favour to 
Noah? 

He blessed him and his sons, and gave them power 
over all living creatures, the same as he had formerly 
given Adam. 

What did he say respecting the life of man 7 

He said, At the hand of every man's brother will 
I require the life of man : whoso sheddeth man's blood, 
by man shall his blood be shed. 

What assurance did God give Noah that he 
would not again destroy the world by a flood ? 

The Lord spake unto him, saying, Behold I establish 
my covenant with you and with your seed for perpetual 
generations ; neither shall there be any more a flood to 
destroy the earth. 

What token did he give of the existence of 
this covenant ? 

The Lord said, I do set my bow in the clouds ; and 
it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and 
the earth. 

In what year of the world did the flood take 
place 1 

One thousand six hundred and fifty-six years after the 
creation. 

How long did Noah live after the flood ? 
Three hundred and fifty years ; and all the days of 
Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died. 



8 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

From tht Dispersion of Mankind, to the death of Abraham, 
comprising a period of 526 years. 

Where did the descendants of Noah settle 
themselves ? 

They removed to the land of Shinar, and dwelt there. 

What did they determine to do ? 
To build a city and a tower, to get themselves a name 
in the earth. 

Was God pleased with this determination ? 

No ; and he resolved to prevent their building it 
by scattering them abroad. 

How did he accomplish this purpose ? 

He caused them to speak different languages, so that 
they could not understand one another's speech ; there- 
fore they left off building the city. 

What was the tower called? 
The tower of Babel, or Confusion. 

Who was the most distinguished servant of 
God in the family of Shem I 

Abram, the son of Terah. 

How long was it after the flood that Abram 
was born ? 

Three hundred and fifty-two years. 

Where did Terah and his family reside I 

In Ur, a city of the Chaldees. 

To what place did they afterward remove 1 
To Haran, in Mesopotamia, where Terah died. 

What command had God given to Abram ? 

The Lord had said, Get thee out of thy country, and 
from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a 
land which I will show thee. 

What promise did God at the same time 
make to him ? 

He said unto him, I will make of thee a great nation, 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 9 

and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and 
thou shalt be a blessing ; and I will bless them that bless 
thee, and curse him that curseth thee ; and in thee shall 
all the families of the earth be blessed. 

Did Abram do as he was commanded ? 

Yes ; he took Sarai his wife, and Lot, his brother's 
son, and all their substance, and departed from Haran, 
and the Lord brought him into the land of Canaan. 

Where did he go thence ? 

He removed to Egypt, there being a famine in the 
land ; and after it ceased he returned to Canaan and 
dwelt at Bethel. 

What is said of his prosperity? 

He became very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold ; 
and their flocks were so great that Abraham and Lot 
could not dwell together, as the land would not bear 
them. 

What arrangement did they make with each 
other ? 

They agreed to separate, and Lot removed to the 
plains of Jordan, and dwelt near Sodom. 

What promise did God make to Abraham re- 
specting the land of Canaan? 

He said, Lift up thine eyes and look from the place 
where thou art, for all the land which thou seest, to 
thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 

And what did he say of the number of his 
descendants? 

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth ; 
so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then 
shall thy seed also be numbered. 

What happened to Lot soon after he removed 
to Sodom ? 

The king of Elam plundered the city, and carried 
away Lot and his family, and all his substance. 

What did Abraham do when he heard of it ? 
He armed all his servants and pursued after them, 



10 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

and having slain the king and his army, he returned 
with Lot and all the spoil that had been taken. 

What was the name of Abraham's first-born 
son ? 

Ishmael, the son of Hagar, an Egyptian bond- woman. 

What took place when Ishmael was thirteen 
years old ? 

Abraham was visited in his tent by three angels, who 
told him that Sarah his wife should have a son. 

What other communication did the angels 
make to him ? 

They informed him that God was about to destroy 
Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. 

Where did two of the angels go when they 
left Abraham ? 

They went to the city of Sodom, to warn Lot to flee 
from it before it was consumed. 

Were Lot and his family preserved ? 

Lot and his two daughters were, but his wife lost her 
life through her disobedience. 

What became of the cities ? 

The Lord rained upon them brimstone and fire, and 
overthrew them, and all the cities of the plain, and all 
the inhabitants thereof. 

How was the promise of the angels to Abra- 
ham fulfilled ? 

A child was born unto him at the time appointed, and 
he called his name Isaac. 

How old were Abraham and Sarah when 
Isaac was born ? 

Abraham was one hundred years old, and Sarah 
ninety. 

What took place soon after 1 
Sarah saw the son of Hagar mocking, and she said 
unto Abraham, Cast out this bond-woman and her son, 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 11 

for the son of this bond-woman shall not be heir with 
my son. 

How did Abraham feel when he heard this ? 

He was much grieved ; but the Lord directed him to 
do as Sarah had said. 

What became of Hagar and her son ? 

They left Abraham's house and wandered in the wil- 
derness, and when near perishing for want of water, 
God sent an angel to show them a well ; and Ishmael 
dwelt in the wilderness of Haran, and became an archer. 

How did God try the faith of Abraham ? 

He commanded him to take his beloved son Isaac 
into the land of Moriah, and offer him as a burnt-offer- 
ing on a mountain. 

Did Abraham do as he was commanded ? 

Yes, he took Isaac and bound him upon the altar, and 
was about to slay him, but when he took the knife to 
do so, an angel stayed his hand. 

How did God reward him for this great act 
of obedience 1 

He said unto him, I will bless thee and multiply thy 
seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand upon the 
sea-shore ; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the 
earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice. 

How long did Sarah live after the birth of 
Isaac ? 

Thirty-seven years, and she died and was buried 
by Abraham in the cave of Machpelah. 

What did Abraham do after the death of Sarah ? 

He sent a servant into his own country, to choose a 
wife for Isaac, and God directed him to the house of 
Bethuel, whose daughter Rebekah was selected, and the 
servant brought her to Isaac, and she became his wife. 

How old was Abraham when he died? 

One hundred and seventy-five years, and his sons 
Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave beside his 
wife Torah. 



12 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What were the names of Isaac's two sons ? 
Esau and Jacob. 

What were their employments ? 
Esau was a cunning hunter, and a man of the field ; 
but Jacob was a plain man dwelling in tents. 

How were they each regarded by their 
parents ? 

Isaac loved Esau, but Rachel loved Jacob. 

When Isaac became very old and blind, what 
did he do? 

He directed Esau to take some venison, and make 
him savoury meat, that he might, eat it, and bless him 
before he died. 

What did Rebekah do when she heard of it ? 

She wished Jacob to receive the blessing instead of 
Esau, and she therefore prepared savoury meat that he 
might obtain it by deceiving his father. 

Did Jacob join in this deception ? 

Yes ; he brought the savoury meat to his father, and 
his father said unto him, Who art thou, my son ? and 
Jacob answered him, I am thy first-born ; so Isaac 
blessed him. 

What did Esau say when he heard of it? 

He cried with great bitterness, and said, Hast thou 
but one blessing, my father ? bless me, even me also, O 
my father. 

How did Esau regard Jacob after this ? 

He hated him, and said in his heart, The days of 
mourning for my father are at hand, then will I slay my 
brother Jacob. 

How did Jacob avoid the anger of Esau? 

His mother sent him to Laban her brother, who lived 
at Haran. 

What happened to him on his journey ? 

He lay down to sleep in a field, and saw in a vision & 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 13 

ladder which reached from earth to heaven, and angels 
were ascending and descending upon it, and the Lord 
spoke to him from the top of it. 

What communication did God make to him ? 

He promised to guide and protect him, and give him 
the land where he was, and foretold that his seed should 
be as the dust of the earth for multitude. 

What effect had this vision upon Jacob ? 

He was afraid and said, How dreadful is this place ! 
this is none other than the house of God, and this is the 
gate of heaven ; and he called the name of it Bethel. 

How did Laban receive him ? 

On hearing of his arrival, he ran to meet him, and 
kissed him, and brought him to his house. 

What agreement did they make with each 
other? 

Jacob proposed to serve Laban for seven years for 
Rachel his younger daughter, and to this Laban agreed. 

What took place at the end of the seven 
years ? 

Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days 
are fulfilled, and Laban made a feast, but he deceived 
Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel. 

Upon what condition did he again agree to 
give him Rachel? 

Upon his serving him for seven years more. 

What is said of Jacob's prosperity ? 

That he increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, 
and men-servants, and maid-servants, and camels, and 
asses. 

How did Laban and his sons regard Jacob's 
prosperity 

They became jealous of him, and therefore Jacob de- 
termined to leave them secretly. 

What communication did God make to Jacob 
concerning his removal ? 



14 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

An angel spake unto him in a dream, saying, Return 
unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and 
God will be with thee. 

Did Jacob obey this command ? 

He rose up and set his sons and his wives upon camels, 
and carried away all his goods and cattle, and stole 
away unawares to Laban. 

What did Laban do when he heard that Jacob 
had fled ? 

He pursued after him seven days' journey and over- 
took him in Mount Gilead, but God had warned him in 
a dream not to molest Jacob. 

What was the result of their interview ? 
They became mutually reconciled, and Jacob contin- 
ued his journey in peace. 

What danger did he apprehend as he ap- 
proached his own country ? 

He feared the anger of his brother Esau. 

What method did he adopt to pacify him ? 

He sent messengers before him with large presents 
for his brother. 

What word did the messengers bring back ? 
That Esau was coming to meet hirn with four hundred 
men. 

What happened to Jacob that night ? 

He wrestled all night with an angel, and prevailed ; 
and the angel blessed him, and gave him a new name. 
Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel. ( 

In what manner did Esau and Jacob meet? , 

Jacob bowed himself before Esau, and Esau ran to 
meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck andv 
kissed him, and they wept ; and afterward they depart-* 
ed in peace. 

Where did Jacob then go ? 

He continued his journey till he came to Bethel, where 
he took up his abode. 



. COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 15 

For what purpose did Jacob leave Bethel ? 
To visit his father Isaac at Hebron. 

What calamity befell him on the way ? 
His wife Rachel died at Bethlehem, soon after the 
birth of Benjamin. 



History of Jacob and his family from the birth of Ben- 
jamin to the death of Joseph comprising a period of one 
hundred and ten years. 

How many sons had Jacob or Israel ? 

Twelve. 

What were their names ? 

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, 
Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, and Benjamin. 

How was Joseph regarded by his father? 

Israel loved him more than all his children, because 
he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat 
of many colours. 

What effect had this upon his brethren ? 

They envied and hated him. 

What remarkable dream had Joseph ? 

He dreamed that he and his brethren were binding 
sheaves in a field, and that his sheaf stood upright, and 
that theirs made obeisance to his. 

What other dream had he soon after ? 
He dreamed that the sun, and the moon, and the 
eleven stars bowed down to him. 

What did his brethren say to him ? 

They said, Shalt thou indeed reign over us, or shalt 
thou have dominion over us ? and they hated him yet the 
more for his dreams. 

Where did they go to feed their father's flock ? 
To Shechem, where Israel had a possession. 



_ 



16 C0MPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What did his father direct Joseph to do after 
his brethren had been some time absent 1 
To go to Shechem and inquire after their welfare. 

How far was Shechem from Hebron, where 
Israel lived 1 

About sixty miles. 

Did Joseph find his brethren in Shechem ? 
No : he was told that they had gone to Dothan, a 
place eight miles distant, whither he followed them. 

What did his brethren say to one another 
when they saw him coming? 

They said, Behold this dreamer cometh ; come, let us 
slay him and cast him into a pit, and we will say 
some evil beast hath devoured him, and then we will 
see what will become of his dreams. 

What proposal did Reuben make 1 
■ He said, Let us not kill him, but cast him into this pit ; 
intending secretly to deliver him to his father again. 

When Joseph arrived what did they do ? 
They took him and cast him into the pit, and then 
sat down to eat bread. 

What happened while they were eating ? 

They saw a company of Ishmaelites who were jour- 
neying from Gilead to Egypt, and Judah proposed that 
instead of killing Joseph, they should sell him as a slave. 

Did they do so ? 

Yes ; they sold him for twenty pieces of silver. 

What stratagem did they devise to conceal 
their wickedness from their father ? 

They took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid, and dipped 
the coat in the blood, and brought it to their father, and 
said, This have we found, know thou whether it be thy 
son's coat ? 

What did Jacob say when he saw it? 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 17 

He said, It is my son's ccat ; an evil beast hath devour- 
ed him ; Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces. 

How did he express his grief! 

He rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourn- 
ed for him many days. 

What became of Joseph in the mean time ? 

The Ishmaelites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an 
officer of Pharoah, and captain of the guard. 

How did his master regard him ? 

He saw that the Lord was with him, and that the 
Lord made all that he did to prosper ; so he made him 
overseer of his house, and over all that he had. 
What was the consequence to Potiphar 1 
The Lord blessed the Egyptian for Joseph's sake, and 
the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had. 

What evil befell Joseph soon after ? 

His master's wife spoke falsely concerning him, by 
reason of which he was cast into prison. 

How was he encouraged while in the prison 1 

The Lord was with him, and showed him mercy, and 
gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 

What proof of his confidence did the keeper 
give him 1 

He committed to Joseph all the prisoners that were 
in the prison ; the keeper looked not to any thing that 
he did, because the Lord made all that he did to prosper. 

What companions had Joseph in prison ? 

Two of Pharoah's officers, his chief butler and baker. 

What occurred to these men while in prison ? 
They had each a remarkable dream, which Joseph 
interpreted for them. 

What was the interpretation of their dreams ? 
That within three days the chief butler would be re- 
stored to his office, and the chief baker would be hanged. 

Were Joseph's interpretations correct ? 

They were exactly fulfilled as he had predicted. 
2 



18 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

How long after this did Joseph continue in 
prison ? 

Two years. 

What occurred to Pharoah at the end of that 
time? 

He had two dreams, by which his spirit was troubled. 

For whom did he send to interpret them? 

For the magicians and wise men of Egypt ; but they 
could not interpret them. 

What did the chief butler then do ? 

He related to Pharoah the dream that he had in prison, 
and Josephs interpretation. 

What was the result of this information ? 
The king sent for Joseph, and he was brought out of 
hie dungeon and came in unto Pharaoh. 

What did the king say to him ? 

I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can 
interpret it, and I have heard of thee that thou canst 
understand a dream to interpret it. 

What was Joseph's reply? 
He said, It is not in me ; but God shall give Pharaoh 
an answer of peace. 

What did Joseph say God had shown Pha- 
raoh in his dreams ? 

This is the thing that God showeth unto Pharaoh, 
Behold there come seven years of plenty throughout all 
the land of Egypt, and there shall arise after them seven 
years of famine ; and all the plenty shall be forgotten, 
and the famine shall consume the land, for it shall be 
very grievous. 

What advice did he then give the king ? 

To select suitable persons to gather up corn during 
the years of plenty, that there might be a store against 
the years of famine. 

How were the king and his servants pleased 
with this advice? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 19 

It was good in their eyes, and the king said, Can we 
find such a man as this, in whom is the Spirit of God. 

How did the king reward Joseph ? 

He made him ruler over his house, and the whole 
land of Egypt, and he took off his ring and put it upon 
him, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a 
chain of gold about his neck. 

How old was Joseph at this time ? 

Thirty years. 

Whom did he marry ? 

Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On. 

What were the names of his two sons ? 

Manasseh and Ephraim. 

What did Joseph do during the years of plenty ? 

He gathered up corn throughout Egypt in such quan- 
tities that he left off numbering, for it was without 
number. 

Did the famine which followed the plenty ex- 
tend beyond Egypt 1 

It was over the surrounding countries, including the 
land of Canaan, where Jacob and his sons lived. 

What did Jacob do when he heard there was 
corn in Egypt ? 

He sent his ten elder sons there to buy corn, and they 
came and were brought before Joseph, and bowed 
down themselves before him. 

Did Joseph know his brethren ? 
He knew them, but they knew not him ; and Joseph 
remembered his dreams. 

How did Joseph act toward his brethren ? 
He spoke roughly to them, pretending to believe they 
were spies, and finally sent them away, refusing to 
see them again, unless they brought with them Ben- 
jamin their brother. 
1 What occurred on their return home 1 



20 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

They told their father all that had befallen them, and 
when they emptied their sacks, every man found his 
bundle of money in his sack. 

What came to pass when the corn was con- 
sumed 1 

Jacob told them to go again into Egypt to buy more, 
but he refused to let Benjamin go with them. 

What did Judah reply to his father ? 
If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down, 
but if thou wilt not send him then we will not go down. 

Did Israel at last consent ? 

He did, and he directed his sons to take back the 
money that was found in their sacks, and he also sent 
a present to Joseph. 

How did Joseph receive his brethren the se- 
cond time ? 

He treated them kindly, and brought them to his own 
house, and said unto them, Is your father well, the old 
man of whom ye spake, is he yet alive ? 

W r hat did Joseph command his steward to do ? 

He directed him to fill their sacks with corn, and put 
every man's money in his sack, and also to put his silver 
cup in Benjamin's sack. 

What did the steward do after they were 
gone ? 

He followed them out of the city, and accused them 
of stealing the cup, and when their sacks were opened, 
and the cup was found with Benjamin, they returned in 
sorrow. 

What proposal did Joseph make to them ? 

That they might all return to their father in peace, 
but that Benjamin should remain and be his servant. 

What answer did Judah make to him ? 

He besought him to let Benjamin go t as they could 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 21 

not return to their father without him, and offered to 
remain himself as Joseph's servant. 

What effect had Judah's address upon Joseph? 

He could refrain himself no longer, but cried out, I 
am Joseph your brother whom ye sold into Egypt ; be 
not grieved nor angry with yourselves ; it was not you, 
but God, who sent me here. 

What did he then direct them to do ? 

To return to Canaan, and, by Pharoah's order, to 
bring their father and all his family to Egypt, and 
accordingly Jacob came down into Egypt and settled in 
the land of Goshen, with his children, being in all 
seventy souls. 

How long did Jacob live in Egypt ? 

Seventeen years, during which time the wealth of the 
family grew and multiplied exceedingly. 

What did Israel do before he died ? 

He called together his sons and prophesied what 
should befall their posterity in future times, and after 
that he blessed them. 

Where did he direct his sons to bury him ? 
In the cave of Machpelah, where his fathers had been 
buried. 

What did he say of their continuance in 
Egypt? 

He said, Behold I die, but God shall be with you, and 
bring you again into the land of your fathers. 

j How old was Jacob when he died ? 

One hundred and forty-seven years. 

How long did Joseph live after the death of 
his father ? 

Fifty-four years, and Joseph died, being one hundred 
and ten years old.. 



22 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 



History of the Israelites from the death of Joseph to the 
death of Moses, comprising a period of one hundred and 
eighty-four years. 

What became of the children of Israel after 
the death of Joseph ? 

They continued to dwell in Egypt, and increased 
abundantly, and became exceeding mighty. 

In process of time, what change took place ? 
A new king arose over Egypt. 

How did he regard the Israelites ? 
He was jealous of them, and feared they would be. 
come more and mightier than the Egyptians. 

What wicked attempt did the Egyptians 
make to destroy their power ? 

They set over them taskmasters, and made their lives 
bitter with hard bondage. 

Did their oppression produce its intended effect ? 
No ; for the more they afflicted them, the more they 
multiplied and grew. 

How did they then endeavour to accomplish 
their purpose 1 

Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, issued a command that 
every male child of the Hebrews should be thrown into 
the river Nile as soon as it was born. 

What particular event occurred at this time ? 
A man named Amram, of the tribe of Levi, had a 
male child born unto him. 

Had he any children previously ? 
He had two, a daughter named Miriam, and a son 
named Aaron. 

How did this child escape the consequences 
of Pharaoh's, cruel law ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 23 

His parents were so anxious to save his life that 
they concealed his birth, and his mother hid him for 
three months. 

When she could no longer hide him, what 

did she do ? 

She made an ark of bulrushes, and having put the 
child therein, she laid it among the flags by the river's 
brink, and his sister stood afar off to see what should 
become of him. 

Whom did God direct to the place where the 

child was laid 1 

Pharaoh's daughter came down to the river, and see- 
ing the ark among the flags, she sent one of her maids 
to fetch it. 

When she saw it, how was she affected ? 
She had compassion on him, and said, This is one of 
the Hebrews' children. 
What proposal did Miriam his sister then 

make ? 

That she would find a Hebrew woman to nurse the 
child, and when told to do so, she went and brought the 
child's mother. 

What charge did the princess give her 1 
She said, Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will 
give thee thy wages. 
When the child was grown, what did his 

mother do with him % 

She brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter ; and she 
called his name Moses, and he became her son. 

In what manner was he brought up ? 

He was educated at the court of Pharaoh in all th© 
learning and wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty 
m word and deed. 



24 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Did Moses in his prosperity forget the afflic- 
tions of his people ? 

No ; for when be was come to years, be went out to 
visit his brethren, and look upon their burdens ; and 
seeing an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, he slew the 
Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 

What did Pharaoh do when he heard of this * 

WofSa" ^ M ° 9e8 ; butMoses ^ into the 

How long did he continue there? 
Forty years. 

What was his employment during this time * 
He became a shepherd, and kept the flock of Jethro 
the priest of Midian. 

What took place in Egypt in the mean time ? 
I he king of Egypt died. 

Was the condition of the Israelites improved 
by his death ? r 

No ; they still sighed by reason of their bondage, and 
they cried I unto the Lord, and he heard them, and re. 
Jacob covena nt with Abraham, and Isaac, and 

Whom did he appoint to deliver them * 

Moses. 

How did he appear to Moses when he ap- 
pointed him ? r 

He appeared to him in a burning bush when he was 
keeping his flock near Horeb the mountain of God ; and 
the bush burned with fire, but was not consumed. 

What did Moses say when he saw it ? 

He said, I will turn aside and see this great sight, why 
the bush is not burned. y 

When he had done so, what took place * 
God called to him out of the bush, and said, Draw 
not nigh hither, put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for 
tne place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 



25 



Whom did the Lord declare himself to be ? 

He said, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abra- 
ham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ; and Moses 
hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. 

What more did God say to him? 

I have seen the affliction of my people which are in 
Egypt and I am come down to deliver them out of the 
hand of the Egyptians, and bring them into a land flow- 
ing with milk and honey. 

By whom did he say he would deliver them ? 

He said unto Moses, Come now therefore, and I will 
send thee unto Pharoah, that thou mayest bring my 
people out of Egypt. 

Whom did God appoint to be the companion 
of Moses in this mission ? 

His brother Aaron, to whom he also appeared, and 
directed him to meet Moses in the wilderness. 

What difficulty did Moses anticipate he should 

encounter ? 

That the people would not believe him, and would 
say that the Lord had not appeared unto him. 

What power was given him, that they might 

be convinced? 

He was enabled to change the rod into a serpent, to 
afflict his hand with leprosy and restore it again, and to 
cause water to become blood. 

What did they do when they came into 

Egypt ? 

They gathered together the elders of Israel, and 
spake unto them all the words of the Lord, and did the 
signs in the sight of the people. 

How did the people receive them ? 

They believed the words of Moses and Aaron ; and 
when they heard that God had visited them in their 
affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped. 



26 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What did Moses and Aaron then do? 
They went in unto Pharaoh, and in the name of God 
demanded the deliverance of the people. 

What did Moses do to prove that God had 
sent him 1 

He wrought several miracles in the sight of Pharoah 
and his servants. 

What reply did the king make to them ? 

He said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice 
to let Israel go, — I know not the Lord, neither will I 
let Israel go. 

What was the consequence of Pharoah's re- 
fusal to let the people go ? 

The Lord visited Egypt with ten plagues, by which 
the king and his people were sorely afflicted and their 
corn and cattle destroyed. 

What were those plagues ? 

1. The waters of Egypt were turned into blood. 

2. The land was afflicted with a swarm of frogs. 

3. The dust of the earth became lice. 

4. A swarm of flies. 

5. A disease broke out among the cattle. 

6. The plague of biles, and blains. 

7. A very grievous hail. 

8. A great swarm of locusts. 

9. A thick darkness covered the land. 

What was the tenth and last plague ? 

The Lord went through the land of Egypt and de- 
stroyed the first-born of every family of the Egyptians, 
but he passed over all the houses of the Israelites. 

How was this event commemorated by the 
Israelites afterward ? 

They kept a yearly feast called the passover. 

What effect did this last plague produce ? 

There was a great cry in ail the land of Egypt, and 
Pharoah, and his servants, and all the Egyptians rose in 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 27 

the night, and sent in haste for Moses and Aaron, and 
urged them to do with the people as the Lord had 
said. 

What was the number of the Israelites when 
they went out of Egypt 1 

Six hundred thousand men, besides women and chil- 
dren. 

What did Pharoah do after they were gone ? 

He repented that he had let them go, and gathered an 
army to pursue after them, and overtook them at the 
Red Sea. 

How did the Israelites escape ? 
Moses, at the command of God, stretched out his rod 
over the sea, and the waters were divided, so that the 
\ people went through the sea upon dry ground. 

What became of the Egyptians ? 

They attempted to pursue the Israelites through the 
sea, but the Lord caused the waters to return, so that 
Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and all his army were 
drowned. 

What was the first act of the Israelites after 
their deliverance ? 

Miriam, the sister of Moses, and all the women came 
out with timbrels, and Moses and the whole congrega- 
tion sung a song of praise to God. 

Where did they go after leaving the Red 
Sea? 

They went three days' journey in the wilderness of 
Shur, and found no water ; and when they came to 
Marah, the waters were bitter so that they could not 
drink them. 

What did the Lord then direct Moses to do ? 

To cast a certain tree into the water ; and when he 
had done so the waters became sweet. 

How were they guided in their journey ings 
thiough the wilderness ? 



28 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The Lord went before them in a pillar of a cloud by 
day, and in a pillar of fire by night. 

To what place did they come soon after 
leaving Marah ? 

They came to the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped 
before the mount where God had appeared to Moses in 
the burning bush. 

How were the people provided with food in 
the wilderness ? 

The Lord rained down manna or bread from heaven, 
which the people gathered every morning, and in the 
evening the camp was covered with quails, which gave 
them meat. 

How were they taught to regard the sabbath ? 

On the sixth day of each week there fell twice as 
much manna as on other days, but on the seventh day 
there was none. 

What occurred to the people before they 
came to Sinai ? 

The Amalekites came out to war against them ; but 
they were discomfited by the Israelites under the com- 
mand of Joshua. 

What miracle was performed at mount Horeb 1 

The people were suffering for want of water, but 
Moses smote the rock with his rod, and water came out 
abundantly. 

When the people were encamped at mount 
Sinai, what took place ? 

The Lord called Moses up into the mount, and pro- 
posed entering into a solemn covenant with Israel. 

What were the conditions of this covenant? 

That if the people obeyed him, and kept his com- 
mandments, they should be to him a peculiar people, a 
kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. 

How did the people receive this proposal ? 
They answered and said, All that the Lord hath 
spoken, we will do. 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 29 

What occurred on the third day after this ? 
The Lord came down upon mount Sinai in the pre- 
sence of all the people. 

What took place previous to his corning ? 

On the morning of the third day there were thunders 
and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and 
the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud, so that the whole 
mountain quaked, and the people in the camp trembled. 

What was the manner of his appearance ? 

While the mountain was altogether in a smoke, and 
when the trumpet had sounded long, and waxed louder 
and louder, the Lord came down upon mount Sinai. 

What did Moses then do ? 

He brought forth the people out of the camp to meet 
with God speaking to them out of the midst of the fire. 

Why did God thus appear to the people ? 

That they, seeing his glory, might fear hirn and keep 
his commandments. 

What were the words which God spake to 
them? 

The ten commandments, which he afterward gave to 
Moses written upon two tables of stone. 

What did God then command Moses to do ? 

To go up into the mount ; and Moses went up, and 
was in the mount with God forty days and forty nights. 

For what purpose was Moses called up to 
the mount? 

That he might receive from God the laws by which 
the people were to be governed, and the ceremonies to 
be observed in their religious worship. 

What happened at the camp in the mean time ? 

The people supposed that Moses would not return ; 
and therefore directed Aaron to make them a god that 
would go before them. 

How did Aaron comply with their wicked 
demand ? 



30 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

He collected all their ear-rings together, and made 
thereof a golden calf. 

When the calf was made, what did the people 
do? 

They offered sacrifices, and built an altar before it, and 
said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee 
up out of the land of Egypt. 

Where was Moses at this time ? 

He was coming down from the mount with the tables 
of stone in his hand ; but when he saw the calf and the 
people dancing around it, his anger was kindled, and 
he threw the tables out of his hands, and they were 
broken. 

What did Moses do after entering the camp ? 

He took the calf, and burned it in the fire, and ground 
it to powder, and he threw the dust into the water, and 
made the people drink it. 

What did the Levites do in obedience to his 
command 1 

They slew of their brethren that had worshipped the 
calf about three thousand men. 

What took place the next day 1 

The poople humbled themselves before God, upon 
which Moses prayed unto the Lord to forgive them, and 
he did so. 

What did God then command Moses to do ? 

To hew two new tables of stone, and go up again 
into the mount ; and Moses went up, and was there with 
the Lord forty days and forty nights. 

What remarkable evidence had the people 
that Moses had been with God ? 

When he came down from the mount, his face shone 
with divine glory, so that the people could not look upon 
him until he had covered himself with a veil. 

What were they next directed to do ? 

To construct a tabernacle for the worship of God, 
which they performed in the space of six months. 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 31 

When the work was finished, how did the 
Lord show his approbation ? 

A cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the 
glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 

How were the Israelites directed as to their 
journeyings ? 

When the cloud was taken up from over the taberna- 
cle, they moved onward, but if the cloud were not taken 
up, then they journeyed not. 

What provision was made for the service of 
the tabernacle] 

The tribe of Levi were set apart for the religious in- 
struction of the people and the service of God, and 
Aaron and his sons appointed the chief priests. 

What yearly feasts were instituted besides that 
of the passover? 

The feast of pentecost, to commemorate the giving of 
the law on mount Sinai ; and the feast of tabernacles, to 
remind them of their wanderings in the wilderness. 

After remaining two years at Sinai, where did 
they remove to ? 

To the wilderness of Paran. 

Of what sin were Miriam and Aaron there 
guilty ? 

They rebelled against Moses, and said, Hath the Lord 
indeed spoken only by Moses ? hath he not spoken also 
by us? 

How was Miriam punished ? 
The Lord afflicted her with leprosy, but after seven 
days she was restored at the intercession of Moses. 

Did Moses lead the people immediately to 
Canaan ? 

No ; he first sent twelve spies to search the land, and 
see whether it was good or bad, or whether the inhabit, 
ants were strong or weak. 



32 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

What report did they bring back 1 
They returned at the end of forty days, and said, that 
the land was indeed a good land, but that the inhabitants 
were men of great stature, against whom the children 
of Israel would not be able to stand. 
Did all the spies agree in this report 1 
No ; Caleb and Joshua said, Let us go up and pos- 
sess it, for we are well able to overcome it; fear not the 
inhabitants of the land, for their defence is departed 
from them, and the Lord is with us. 

Which of these reports did the people be- 
lieve ? 

They believed the evil report of the ten spies ; and 
murmured against Moses and Aaron, and all the con- 
gregation wept. 

What did they propose doing? 

They said, Wherefore hath the Lord brought us into 
the wilderness to perish with the sword ? Let us make 
a captain and return into Egypt. 

How did God punish them for their disobe- 
dience ? 

He caused them to wander forty years in the wilder- 
ness, until all that generation were dead except Caleb 
and Joshua. 

What new rebellion broke out after this? 

A man named Korah and two hundred and fifty 
princes of Israel conspired against Moses and Aaron, 
and refused to obey them. 

When Moses heard it, what did he do? 

He directed them to appear the next day at the taber- 
nacle in the presence of the people, that the Lord might 
determine which of them were right. 

What was the result of this trial ? 

The ground clave asunder and swallowed up Korah 
and all that he had. while at the same time fire came 
down from heaven and consumed the two hundred and 
fifty princes. 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 33 

How were the Israelites affected by this 
judgment ? 

They murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying, Ye 
have killed the people of the Lord. 

How did God regard their wickedness ? 

He said unto Moses, Get you up from among the 
congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. 

How were the people punished ? 

A plague came suddenly upon them, but Aaron, at the 
command of Moses, made an atonement for the people. 

How many died before the plague was re- 
moved 1 

Fourteen thousand seven hundred. 

How were the people satisfied that God had 
selected Aaron to fill the priest's office ? 

Moses directed all the princes of Israel to write each 
man's name upon a rod and lay them up in the taberna- 
cle, saying that the man whose rod blossomed waa 
chosen. 

What was the result ? 

The next day Moses brought out all the rods, and be- 
hold Aaron's rod had budded and blossomed, and 
yielded almonds. 

What event occurred at Kadesh ? 

Miriam the sister of Moses died there. 

What difficulty was encountered at Kadesh 7 
There was no water for the congregation, upon which 
they gathered themselves together, and again murmur- 
ed against Moses and Aaron. 

What did Moses and Aaron then do 1 

They were directed by God to speak to the rock, and 
that it would bring forth water ; but Moses spoke angrily 
to the people, and smote the rock twice. 

What was the consequence of Moses' offence 
in this matter ? 

The Lord was displeased with him, and said that ho 
should not enter into the land of Canaan. 

3 



34 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What happened soon after leaving Kadesh ? 

Aaron died in mount Hor, being one hundred and 
twenty-thnee years old. 

While compassing the land of Edom, what 
took place? 

The people became dissatisfied because they had no 
bread but manna to eat, and they spake against God 
and against Moses. 

How were they punished ? 

The Lord sent fiery serpents among them, and they 
bit the people, and many of them died. 

What effect had this judgment upon them ? 

They confessed their folly, and requested Moses to 
pray that the fiery serpents should be removed, and he 
did so. 

What was Moses commanded to do ? 

To make a serpent of brass, and set it upon a pole ; 
and it came to pass that when any person who had been 
bitten looked upon it, he was healed. 

What enemies did they next encounter ? 

Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, 
made war upon them ; but they were both slain, and 
their countries conquered by Israel. 

Where did the people encamp at the end of 
their forty years' wanderings ? 

In the plains of Moab, on the borders of the promised 
land. 

How was Balak, the king of Moab, affected by 
the approach of the Israelites ? 

He was sore afraid because of their numbers, and be- 
cause he heard what they had done to the Amoritee. 

What course did he adopt under these cir- 
cumstances ? 

He sent for a pretended prophet named Balaam, and 
offered him great rewards if he would curse Israel. 

What happened to Balaam, while the king's 
messengers were still with him ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 35 

The Lord spake to him, and said, Thou shalt not go 
with them, nor shalt thou curse the people, for they are 
blessed. 

What did Balaam finally do 'I 

He rose up, and saddled his ass, and went with the 
princes of Moab. 

What occurred to him on his journey ? 

The angel of the Lord stood in the way, with a drawn 
sword in his hand, and Balaam saw him not, but the ass 
saw the angel, and refused to go on. 

What miraculous event then took place ? 

Balaam smote the ass three times, whereupon the 
Lord opened her mouth and she spoke to Balaam and 
reproved him. 

How was Balaam affected by it ? 

He confessed his sin, and said that if the Lord was 
displeased he would return, and not go with the men. 

What did the angel then direct him to do % 

He told him to go with the princes of Moab, but to 
speak only as the Lord should command him. 

What was the result of this interview ? 

Balaam looked upon the camp of Israel, and said, 
Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that 
curseth thee. 

How was Balak affected thereby, and what did 
he say ? 

His anger was kindled against Balaam, and he said, I 
called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast 
altogether blessed them. 

What afterward became of Balaam? 
He was slain by the children of Israel, when they 
made war against Midian. 

What was the fate of the inhabitants of Moab ? 
They were conquered and nearly all put to death by 
the Israelites. 

What command did God soon after give to 
Moses ? 



36 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

He said unto him, Get thee up into mount Nebo, and 
view the land which I give unto Israel for a possession, 
and die in the mount whither thou goest up. 

What did he do before he died ? 

He assembled all Israel together and blessed them ; 
and having recounted the mercies of God, and his 
mighty works for them, he exhorted them to remember 
their covenant, and to keep his commandments. 

After blessing the people, where did he go ? 

He went up from the plains of Moab, unto the moun- 
tain of Nebo ; and the Lord showed him all the land, and 
said, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, and 
Isaac, and Jacob. 

What account is given of his death ? 

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the 
land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 

How old was Moses when he died ? 
He was one hundred and twenty years old ; yet his 
eye was not dim, nor was his natural strength abated. 

Where was he buried ? 

The Lord buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, 
but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 

How long did the people mourn for him ? 
They wept and mourned for him thirty days. 



From the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan to the 
death of Joshua, comprising a period of seventeen years. 

Whom did God appoint to be leader of the 
Israelites after the death of Moses 1 
Joshua, the son of Nun. 

What direction did God give to Joshua % 
The Lord spake unto him, saying, Moses my servant 

is dead ; now therefore arise, go over the Jordan, thou 

and all this people. 



C0MPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 37 

What farther did God say to him ? 

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee. 
As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee. 

What more did he promise him ? 

That if he was strong, and of good courage, and 
kept all the law which was given to Moses, the Lord 
should be with him whithersoever he went. 

How did the people acknowledge Joshua as 
their leader ? 

They said, All that thou commandest us we will do ; 
and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go ; as we 
hearkened unto Moses, so will we hearken unto thee. 

What did Joshua do immediately after ? 

He sent two men as spies into the city of Jericho, on 
the other side of Jordan ; and they went, and came to 
a woman's house named Rahab, and lodged there. 

What took place while they were there ? 

The king of Jericho heard of their coming, and sent 
unto Rahab to have them delivered up, but she hid 
them upon the roof of her house, by covering them with 
stalks of flax. 

What answer did she make to the king's mes- 
sengers ? 

She said, There came two men unto me, but I knew 
not who they were, and when it was dark they went 
away ; pursue after them quickly, and ye shall over- 
take them. 

When the king's servants were gone, what 
did the woman do ? 

She came up upon the roof, and told the men what 
had happened ; then she let them down by a cord 
through the window, for her house was upon the wall. 

How did they promise to reward her ? 

They took an oath that the lives of all her family 
should be saved when the city was taken by Joshua. 

What report did the two spies make on their 
return ? 



38 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

They told all things that befell them, and said, Truly 
the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land, for 
the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. 

What command did Joshua then give to the 
officers ? 

To go through the host and tell the people, that with- 
in three days they should pass over Jordan, to go in and 
possess the land which the Lord had given them. 

In the mean time what took place ? 

The whole congregation removed from their camp to 
the banks of the Jordan, over against Jericho. 

What did the Lord say to Joshua on the 
third day ? 

This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of 
all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, 
bo I will be with thee. 

Relate the circumstances of their passage of 
the Jordan. 

The people removed from their tents to pass over 
Jordan : and the priests, bearing the ark of the covenant, 
went before them ; and when they came to the brink 
of the river the waters rose up, and stood upon a heap, 
so that all the Israelites passed over on dry ground. 

What did the people do after crossing the Jor- 
dan ? 

They encamped at Gilgal, where they kept the pass- 
over ; after which the army encompassed Jericho. 

What other evidence had they of having left 
the wilderness ? 

The manna ceased ; neither had they it any more, 
but they ate the fruits of the land of Canaan. 

How did God appear to Joshua at Jericho ? 
In the form of a man, \* ith a sword drawn in his hand ; 
and Joshua fell on his face and worshipped him. 

What did the Lord say to Joshua ? 
He said, I have given into thy hand Jericho, and the 
king thereof, and the mighty men of valour. 



C0MPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 39 

How was the city to be taken ? 

The Lord said, Ye shall compass the city, and go 
round about it once ; thus shall ye do six days ; and 
seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of 
rams' horns ; and the seventh day ye shall compass the 
city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the 
trumpets. 

What did the Lord say should be the result ? 

It shall come to pass, that when they shall make a 
long blast with the rams' horns, all the people shall 
shout with a great shout, and the walls of the city shall 
fall down flat. 

Did the people obey these directions ? 

They did as they were commanded, and on the 
seventh day the walls fell down, and the city was taken. 

What became of the inhabitants ? 

They were all destroyed, both men and women, old 
and young, with all their cattle ; but Rahab and her 
kindred were saved alive. 

What direction was given concerning the 
spoils 1 

That every thing should be destroyed except the gold 
and silver, and the vessels of brass and iron, which were 
to be put into the treasury of the Lord. 

After Jericho was taken, what did Joshua do 1 

He sent three thousand men against Ai, a city about 
twelve miles from Jericho, but they were defeated by 
the inhabitants, and thirty-six of them killed. 

What did Joshua do when he heard of it 1 

He humbled himself before God, and inquired of him 
why he had thus abandoned Israel. 

What reply did the Lord make to him ? 

He informed him that some of the spoils of Jericho 
were secreted in the camp ; and that it was in conse- 
quence of this sin that the people fled before their 
enemies. 

How did Joshua discover who had commit- 
ted the theft ? 



40 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

He called all the people together, and directed that 
they should cast lots through every tribe and family ; 
and the lot fell upon Achan, of the tribe of Judah. 
What confession did Achan then make ? 
That he had stolen a goodly Babylonish garment, 
with two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of 
gold, all of which were hid in the earth under his tent. 
How was Achan punished ? 
The people brought him to the valley of Achor, and 
stoned him with stones, and burned all that he had. 
How did God show his approval of this act ? 
He directed Joshua to go up with his army against 
Ai, and told him that he would give the city into his 
hand. So they went up and took it. 

What became of the people of Ai ? 
They were all put to death, being in number about 
twelve thousand. 

What was the next act of Joshua ? 

He built an altar upon mount Ebal, as he had been 
commanded by Moses ; and all the people assembled in 
the valley between that mountain and mount Gerizim. 

What interesting ceremony was there per- 
formed ? r 

Six of the tribes went over upon one side of each 
mountain, and Joshua read the whole law before all the 
congregation, after which the tribes on each side re- 
counted the blessings and curses promised and threat- 
ened in the law. 

What effect did the victories of Joshua pro- 
duce upon the people of Canaan ? 

They became greatly alarmed, and six nations united 
their armies to fight against Joshua. 

What scheme did the Gibeonites devise to save 
themselves ? 

When they knew that the Israelites would not spare 
any of the Canaanites, they sent ambassadors, pretend- 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 41 

ing that they lived in afar country, and, hearing of their 
fame, desired an alliance with them. 

How did they farther attempt to deceive 
Joshua ? 

They showed him some of their bread, saying, This 
our bread was hot on the day we came forth to meet you ; 
but now it is dry and mouldy, and our garments and shoes 
are become old by reason of the very long journey. 

What effect had their testimony upon Joshua ? 

He believed what they said, and made a treaty with 
them, and the princes of Israel took an oath that they 
would keep it ; but in three days after they discovered 
that the Gibeonites lived within a few miles of them. 

What did the Israelites say when they heard 
of it? 

We have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel, 
therefore we may not touch them, lest wrath be upon 
us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. 

Where did the Canaanites begin the war 
against Israel ? 

They collected a great army at Gibeon ; but Joshua 
came suddenly upon them, and slew them with a great 
slaughter, and pursued after them for a whole day. 

What miracle took place when Joshua was 
pursuing them ? 

A shower of hail stones came down from heaven, 
and killed a greater number of the Canaanites than 
the children of Israel slew with the sword. 

What other stupendous miracle was wrought 
at the command of Joshua ? 

When he saw that his army would not have time to 
destroy their enemies, he prayed to the Lord that the 
day might be lengthened, and said, in the sight of all 
Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon ! and thou, 
moon, in the valley of Ajalon ! So the sun stood still 
in the midst of heaven, and the moon stayed until the 
people were avenged of their enemies. 



'42 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

What became of the five kings of Canaan ? 
They all fled and hid themselves in a cave, but Joshua 
had them brought out, and hanged them upon five trees. 

What did the remaining kings of Canaan do 
after this great battle ? 

They formed a confederacy to fight against Israel, 
and their combined armies met at the waters of Merom. 

What was the number of their forces ? 
Three hundred thousand foot soldiers, ten thousand 
horsemen, and twenty thousand chariots. 

Was Joshua afraid to meet this great army ? 

No : he came against them suddenly, and the Lord 
delivered them into his hand, and Israel smote them 
with the edge of the sword until not a man was left. 

How long after this did Joshua make war 
upon the Canaanites ? 
About six years. 

How did this war terminate ? 

Joshua took the whole country, as the Lord had said 
unto Moses ; and it became from that time an inherit- 
ance unto Israel. 

What disposal was made of the conquered 
country ? 

It was divided among the people according to their 
several tribes, except the tribe of Levi. 

Why did not the tribe of Levi receive a por- 
tion of the land ? 

Because the priesthood of the Lord was their inherit, 
ance, and they dwelt in cities among the other tribes, 
and received a tenth part of the produce of the soil. 

Where was the tabernacle set up, after being 
removed from Gilgal ? 

At Shiloh, a city of the tribe of Ephraim, where it re- 
mained for more than three hundred years. 

How did the Lord bless Israel at this time ? 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 43 

He gave them rest from all their enemies, and deliver- 
ed unto them the whole land, as he had promised to their 
fathers. 

How long did Joshua govern the people ? 
Seventeen years. 

What was the last public act of his life ? 

He assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, that 
they might renew their covenant with God. 

What reasons did Joshua give why they should 
serve the Lord? 

He reviewed their past history, and having recounted 
the many deliverances that had been wrought out for 
them, he reminded them, that of all the promises God 
had made to their fathers not one of them had failed. 

What did he say would be the consequence 
of their disobedience ? 

He told them that if they forsook the Lord, and served 
other gods, the anger of the Lord would be kindled 
against them, and he would drive them out of the good 
land which he had given them. 

What decision did he require them to make ? 

He said, Choose ye this day whom ye will serve ; 
whether the gods which your fathers served, or the gods 
of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell. 

What did Joshua say was his determination ? 

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

How did the people answer him ? 
They all said, The Lord our God will we serve, and 
his voice will we obey. 

How was this promise confirmed ? 

Joshua made a covenant with the people, and wrote 
the words in the book of the law of God ; and also set 
up a stone to be a witness of this covenant in future. 

What took place soon after this ? 
Joshua the servant of the Lord died, being one hun- 
dred and ten years old. 



44 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The government of tJie judges, comprising a period of 
three hundred and forty-eight years. 

How were the Israelites governed after the 
death of Joshua? 

Each tribe became independent and governed them- 
selves ; and when they were oppressed by their enemies, 
God raised up judges to deliver them. 

Did they keep the covenant they had made 
with God ? 

They served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all 
the days of the elders that outlived him; but after- 
ward they forsook the God of their fathers, and worship- 
ped the gods of the nations round about them. 

How were they punished for their idolatry ? 

The anger of the Lord was kindled against them, 
and he gave them up to their enemies, whom they 
served eight years. 

What effect had this upon them ? 

They repented of their sins, and the Lord appointed 
Othniel, who was the first of the judges, to deliver them. 

How long did Othniel govern Israel 1 
Forty years, during which the land was at rest. 

What was their next sin and punishment ? 
They again forsook God, and he permitted the king 
of Moab to oppress them for eighteen years. 

Whom did he then appoint to deliver them ? 

Ehud, a Benjamite, who slew the king of Moab, and 
destroyed his army, after which he judged the people 
many years. 

What was the name of the third judge ? 
Shamgar, who slew six hundred Philistines with an 
ox-goad. 

What took place after the death of Ehud and 
Shamgar ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 45 

The people again relapsed into idolatry, and the Lord 
sold them into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan, who 
oppressed them for twenty years. 

Who became the next judge of Israel ? 
Deborah, a prophetess, who dwelt in Mount Ephraim, 
between Ramah and Bethel. 

How did she proceed to deliver the people ? 

She directed Barak to gather ten thousand men to 
mount Tabor, near which place the army of Jabin was 
encamped. 

What was the result of the battle fought there ? 

The Lord discomfited the Canaanites,and Barak took 
all the chariots, and pursued after them, until not a man 
was left. 

What was the fate of Sisera, the captain of 
Jabin's host 1 

He fled to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber, who 
promised to protect him ; but while he was asleep she 
drove a nail through his temples so that he died. 

How did Deborah and Barak celebrate this 
victory ? 

They showed their gratitude to God, by singing a 
song of thankfulness and praise. 

How long did Deborah judge Israel ? 

Forty years. 

What happened after her death ? 

The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the 
Lord, and the Lord caused the Midianites to oppress 
them seven years. 

Whom did God raise up in answer to their 
prayers ? 

Gideon, a poor man of the tribe of Manasseh. 

How was his appointment made known to 
him ? 

An angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said, 



46 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour: go, 
and thou shalt save Israel from the Midianites. 

What sign did the angel give him ? 

Gideon brought him some food and laid it upon a 
rock : then the angel touched it with his staff, and fire 
came out of the rock and consumed it. 

What farther proof did Gideon require that 
God was with him 1 

He said unto God, I will put a fleece of wool on the 
floor, and if the dew be on the fleece only, and not on 
the earth, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel 
by my hand. 

Was the Lord pleased to grant his request ? 

He was ; and the result confirmed the faith of Gideon, 
who immediately assembled thirty-two thousand men 
to fight with the Midianites. 

What was the number of the Midianites' 
army ? 

One hundred and thirty thousand men. 

What did Gideon do with his army ? 

He permitted twenty-iwo thousand to return home,and 
sent all the rest to their tents except three hundred 
men ; and with this small number he attacked the host 
of Midian. 

Why did he pursue this course ? 

Because the Lord directed him to do so, and told him 
that with three hundred men he would deliver the Mi- 
dianites into his hand. 

For what purpose did God so direct him ? 

That the Israelites might know that the Lord fought 
for them, and that it was not their own strength which 
saved them. 

How did Gideon attack them ? 

He gave each man a trumpet, a lamp, and an empty 
pitcher, and entered their camp by night ; and the men 
suddenly blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and 
cried out, The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 47 

What was the result ? 

The Midianites were thrown into confusion, and fell 
upon one another, and fled, and Gideon pursued them, 
and slew one hundred and twenty thousand men. 

How did the people show their gratitude to 
Gideon? 

They said unto him, Rule thou over us, thou, and thy 
son, and thy son's son, for thou hast delivered us from 
the hand of Midian. 

What was Gideon's reply ? 
He said, I will not rule over you, neither shall my 
eon : the Lord shall rule over you. 

How long did Gideon judge the people ? 

Forty years. 

How many children had Gideon ? 
He had seventy-one sons, one of whom was named 
Abimelech. 

What wicked act did Abimelech commit ? 
He slew all his brothers, except the youngest, who hid 
himself, and was then made king at Shechem. 

What became of him afterward ? 
He reigned three years, and was then killed in en- 
deavouring to put down an insurrection of the people. 

Who were the next two judges ? 
Tola and Jair, who successively judged Israel forty- 
five years. 

What sins did the people then commit ? 
They fell into idolatry, and served Baalim, and the 
other gods of the heathen. 

How did the Lord punish them ? 
He gave them up to the Philistines and the Amo- 
rites, by whom they were afflicted for eighteen years. 

When the people cried unto God in their dis- 
tress, what did he say to them ? 

He said, Go and cry unto the gods which ye have 



48 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

chosen : let them deliver you in the time of your tribu- 
lation. 

How did they show the sincerity of their re- 
pentance ? 

They put away the strange gods from among them, 
and served the Lord, after which the Lord raised up 
Jephthah to deliver them. 



What calamity afflicted Israel about this 
time? 

There was a famine in the land. 

Who are mentioned as having sojourned in 
Moab during the famine ? 

A man of Bethlehem named Elimelech, with his wife 
Naomi, and their two sons. 

What is said of the two young men ? 
They took them wives of the women of Moab, named 
Orpah and Ruth. 

What event befell them in the land of Moab ? 

The man and his two sons died ; and Naomi was left 
a widow. 

What did she determine to do 7 
To return to her own country ; so she bid farewell to 
her daughters-in-law. 

Did they consent to leave her 1 

Orpah consented to remain in Moab, but Ruth insisted 
upon going to Bethlehem with Naomi, saying, Thy peo- 
ple shall be my people, and thy God shall be my God. 

What occurred to them after their arrival in 
Bethlehem ? 

Ruth went to glean in the field of a rich man named 
Boaz, and Boaz treated her kindly, and she afterward 
became his wife. 

Who was their first-born son ? 

Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David. 



GOMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 49 

What vow did Jephthah make upon going to 
battle with the Amorites % 

That if he was successful he would offer, as a sacrifice 
unto the Lord, the first thing that met him on his return. 

Did Jephthah conquer his enemies ? 
Yes ; he smote the Amorites with a very great slaugh- 
ter, and took twenty of their cities. 

What happened on his way home 1 

The first person that met him was his daughter, who 
was his only child. 

How did he feel when he saw her ? 

He rent his clothes and was greatly distressed, but he 
kept his vow, and devoted her to the service of God. 

How long did he govern the people ? 
Six years, and was followed by three succeeding 
judges, who ruled Israel for twenty-five years. 

What was the state of the children of Israel 
at the end of this time ? 

They had become wicked, and rebelled against the 
Lord ; and the Lord delivered them again to the Philis- 
tines. 

To whom did an angel appear during this 
captivity 1 

To a man named Manoah, and his wife, who had no 
children. 

What promise did the angel make to them 1 
That they should have a son, and that God would 

give him strength to begin to deliver Israel out of the 

hand of the Philistines. 

What directions were given them respecting 
the child? 

He wa3 to abstain from wine and strong drink, and no 
razor should come upon his head, for he was to be a 
Nazarite from his birth. 

How was the promise of the angel fulfilled ? 
4 



50 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

The woman bare a son, and called his name Samson, 
and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. 

What other distinguished person was born 
about this time ? 

The prophet Samuel. 

Who were his parents ? 

His fathers name was Elkanah, and his mother's 
Hannah. 

What vow did Hannah make before his birth ? 

That if the Lord should give her a son, she would de- 
vote him to his service all the days of his life. 

How did she perform her promise ? 

She brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh, 
while he was yet a child, and gave him to Eli, who was 
then the high priest and judge of Israel. 

What was the character of Eli's sons ? 

They sinned continually, and brought reproach upon 
the service of God by reason of their wickedness. 

How was Samuel employed in the temple ? 

He ministered unto the Lord before Eli, and he grew, 
and was in favour both with God and man. 

What happened to him one night in the tem- 
ple? 

He heard a voice calling him by name, and he ran to 
Eli, and said, Here am I, for thou calledst me : and Eli 
said, I called thee not ; lie down again. 

How often was this call repeated 1 

Three times, and Eli then knew that the Lord had 
called the child. 

What answer did Samuel make the fourth 
time? 

He said, as directed by Eli, Speak, Lord, for thy servant 
heareth. 

What communication did God make to him ? 

He foretold the ruin of Eli's house, because his sons 
were vile and he restrained them not. 

How was Samuel regarded after this ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 51 

All Israel knew that he was established to be a pro- 
phet of the Lord. 

For what was Samson remarkable ? 

For his great strength, which exceeded that of all 
other men. 

What was the first proof that he gave of his 
prowess ? 

He was going to Timnath with his father and mother, 
ana being attacked on the way by a lion, he rent him 
in pieces as he would have rent a kid. 

What happened to Samson at Timnath ? 

He was married there to a daughter of the Philistines. 

What took place at his marriage feast ? 

He proposed to the young men who were there a 
riddle, which they were unable to expound ; but he told 
his wife the secret, and she told the young men. 

How was Samson affected when he found 
that his wife had betrayed his secret ? 

His anger was kindled against her, and he left her 
and went to his father's house. 

How was he avenged of the Philistines ? 

He caught three hundred foxes and tied them together, 
and having fastened fire brands to their tails he let them 
go into the corn fields and vineyards of the Philistines, 
and burned them up. 

How did the men of Judah seek to appease 
the Philistines? 

They bound Samson with strong cords, and delivered 
him up to them. 

What did the Philistines do when they saw 

him bound ? 

They raised a great shout, but Samson burst the cords 
that bound him, and, seizing the jaw bone of an ass, slew 
with it a thousand men. 

Where did Samson go next ? 



52 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

To Gaza, a city of the Philistines. 

When the people knew of his coming, what 
did they do ? 

They locked the gates of the city, and lay quiet all 
night, saying, In the morning we shall kill him. 

How did Samson escape ? 

He arose at midnight, and took the gate of the city, 
and the two posts, and the bar, and put them upon his 
shoulders, and carried them to the top of a hill. 

How was he afterward taken prisoner by the 
Philistines ? 

He was persuaded by a woman named Delilah to tell 
her where the secret of his great strength lay ; so when 
he was asleep she cut off his hair, and betrayed him to 
his enemies. 

What did the Philistines do with him ? 

They brought him to Gaza, and bound him with fet- 
ters of brass, and having put out his eyes, they made 
him grind in the prison-house. 

What did they do soon after this ? 

They made a great feast in honour of Dagon their 
god, for delivering Samson into their hand, and while 
they were merry they sent for Samson to make sport. 

What had taken place in the mean time? 
Samson's hair had grown, and with it his strength 
had returned. 

What request did Samson make of the boy 
who led him ? 

To let him lean upon the two pillars on which the 
temple stood. 

What did he then do? 

He took hold of the two pillars, and said, Let me die 
with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his 
might, and the house fell upon all that were therein, so 
that he slew more at his death than he did in his life. 

What befell the Israelites soon after ? 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 53 

The Philistines defeated them in two battles, and slew 
thirty-four thousand men, including Eli's two sons ; and 
the ark of God was taken. 

What became of Eli when he heard of it ? 

When he was told that Israel had fled before their 
enemies, and especially that the ark was taken, he fell 
from his seat backward and died. 

How old was Eli at his death ? 

Ninety-eight years, and he judged Israel forty years. 

What was done with the ark 1 

The Philistines brought it to Ashdod, and set it in the 
house of Dagon their god. 

What took place there ? 

The next morning they discovered that Dagon had 
fallen down before the ark. 

What did they then do 1 

They set Dagon in his place, but the next day they 
found him not only fallen, but broken in pieces. 

What effect had this upon the people of 
Ashdod? 

They were greatly alarmed, and said the ark should 
not remain with them, and it was removed from place 
to place through all the cities of the Philistines ; but, 
wherever it rested, evil befell the inhabitants until the 
whole land was afflicted. 

What did they resolve to do with it ? 

To send it back again to the Israelites. 

How long was the ark with the Philistines ? 

Seven months. 

What arrangements did they make for send- 
ing it back ? 

They made a new cart and placed the ark upon it, and 
tied two milch kine to the cart. 

What did they do to decide whether their 
sufferings were from the hand of God 1 

They left the kine to themselves, and said that if they 



54 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

went toward the borders of Israel, then they would know 
that it was the God of Israel which afflicted them. 

What was the result of this experiment ? 

The kine went their way, and turned not to the right 
or left until they came to Bethshemesh, a frontier town 
of the tribe of Judah. 

How did the people of Bethshemesh receive 
the ark ? 

When they saw it coming, they rejoiced greatly, and 
they made of the cart a fire, and offered the kine as a 
burnt offering unto the Lord. 

What judgment befell the people, and for what 
cause ? 

Some of them looked into the ark, which it was not 
lawful for them to do ; and a large number were struck 
dead. 

To what place was the ark then taken ? 

To Kirjath-jearim, where it remained twenty years. 

What did the children of Israel do, under the 
guidance of Samuel ? 

They put away their idols and served the Lord only. 

How did God regard the prayers of Samuel 
for Israel 1 

The Lord heard the prayers of his servant, and en- 
ablod the Israelites to gain a great victory over the 
Philistines at Mizpeh. 

What was the consequence of this victory ? 

The Philistines restored all the cities that had been 
taken from the Israelites, and they came no more within 
the borders of Israel during the life of Samuel. 

To what offices did Samuel appoint his two 
sons? 

He made them judges in Beersheba. 

Did they follow the good example of their 
father ? 



GOMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 55 

No, they walked not in his ways, but took bribes, and 
perverted judgment. 

What effect had their conduct upon the elders 
of Israel? 

They assembled themselves together unto Samuel at 
Ramah ; and, complaining of the wickedness of his sons, 
desired him to appoint a king to rule over Israel. 

How did Samuel receive their request ? 
He was displeased with the people, and prayed unto 
the Lord that he might know what answer to give. 

What was he directed to do % 
To set before them all the evils that should come upon 
them if their request should be granted. 

Did the people follow the advice of Samuel ? 

They refused to obey him, and said, Nay, but we 
will have a king to rule over us, that we may be like 
other nations. 

What did the Lord say to Samuel concerning 
their demand ? 

He said, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a 
king. 

What did Samuel do soon after ? 

He assembled all Israel together at Mizpeh. 

What took place at Mizpeh ? 

Samuel spoke unto the people the words of the Lord 
respecting the appointment of a king, after which the 
people cast lots, and the lot fell upon Saul. 

For what was Saul distinguished ? 
For his great size, being taller than any of his coun- 
trymen, and for his personal beauty. 



The reign of Said, comprising a period of forty years. 
What happened soon after Saul was made 
king? 



56 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The king of the Ammonites made war upon Israel and 
laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. 

When Saul heard of it, what did he do ? 

He commanded the people to assemble at Bezek, and 
they came with one consent to the number of three 
hundred thousand men. 

What message did he send to the men of 
Jabesh 1 

He sent unto them, saying, To-morrow by the time 
the sun is hot ye shall have help. 

How did Saul fulfil his promise ? 

He crossed the Jordan that night, and came upon the 
hosts of the Ammonites at day-break, and defeated them 
with great slaughter. 

Where did the people go after the battle 1 

They went to Gilead, and offered sacrifices to God, 
and renewed the kingdom to Saul. 

What exploit is recorded of Jonathan the 
son of Saul ? 

He took, by surprise, a garrison of the Philistines in 
l*eba, with only one thousand men. 

When the Philistines heard of it, what did 
they do X 

They collected a great army, with chariots and horse- 
men, to fight against Israel. 

What effect had this upon the Israelites ? 

A great fear came upon them, and they hid themselves 
in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks. 

Where was Saul in the meantime? 

He was at Gilgal, waiting for Samuel, who had appoint- 
ed to meet him there in seven days. 

What did Saul do when the seven days were 
ended ? J 

He became impatient, and instead of waiting for Sam. 
ael, he offered sacrifices himself, which it was not law- 
ful for him to do. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 57 

How did Samuel reprove him when he came ? 

He said, Thou hast done foolishly, thou hast not kept 
the commandment of the Lord thy God. 

What sentence did he pronounce upon him ? 

He said, Thy kingdom shall not continue ; the Lord 
hath sought him a man to be captain over his people, 
because thou hast not kept his commandments. 

What was the number of Saul's army at this 
time? 

Six hundred men, and they had neither swords nor 
spears. 

What bold design did Jonathan meditate, un- 
known to Saul ? 

He determined to go with his armour bearer to the 
camp of the Philistines, trusting that the Lord would 
work for him. 

How did his enterprise succeed ? 

As soon as he reached the camp he attacked them ; 
and a sudden fear coming upon them, they began to 
kill each other, and Saul and his people then coming 
up, a great multitude of the Philistines were destroyed. 

What circumstance occurred to distress the 
Israelites during the battle ? 

Saul had said in the morning, Cursed be the man that 
eateth any food till I am avenged of my enemies ; so none 
of the people tasted any food, and were faint because 
of it. 

How did Jonathan fall under the curse ? 
He had eaten a little honey, not knowing what his 
father had said : so his father condemned him to die. 

By what means did Jonathan escape ? 

The people rescued him from Saul, and said, As the 
Lord liveth there shall not one hair of his head fall to 
the ground, for he hath wrought with God this day. 

What sin did Saul commit in his war with 
the Amalekites ? 



58 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

He spared Agag the king, and a great part of the 
spoils, when the Lord had commanded him to destroy 
them utterly, and all that they had. 

What doom did Samuel pronounce on Saul ? 

He said, Thou hast neglected the word of the Lord, 
and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king. 

What became of Agag? 

He was brought before Samuel, who said to him, As 
thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy 
mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed 
him in pieces before the Lord. 

What divine message did Samuel receive 
soon after ? 

The Lord directed him to go to the house of Jesse 
the Bethlehemite, for, said he, I have provided me a king 
among his sons. 

How did Samuel perform this mission ? 

He went to Bethlehem, and called Jesse and hie sons 
to a sacrifice ; and they all passed before him until he 
came to David, the youngest, and as soon as he saw him 
the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. 

What did Samuel then do ? 
He took a horn of oil, and anointed David, and the 
Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward. 

What had been the occupation of David ? 
He was a shepherd, and kept the flocks of his father. 

How old was David at this time ? 

About twenty years of age. 

Did he become king immediately ? 
No ; for Saul was permitted to govern the kingdom 
till his death, which took place in ten years after. 

With whom was Israel soon after at war ? 
With the Philistines. 

What position did the armies occupy 7 
They were encamped on the sides of two mountains, 
facing each other, and there was a valley between them.- 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 59 

Who was the champion of the Philistines ? 
A man named Goliath, of gigantic size, whose height 
was six cubits and a span, or about ten feet. 

What challenge did he offer to the Israelites ? 

He stood in the valley, and proposed that an Israelite 
should come out and fight with him, and that thus the 
battle might be decided by single combat. 

What insulting language did he use ? 

He said, Am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to 
Saul ? choose you a man, and let him come down to me. 
If he be able to kill me, then will we be your servants ; 
but if I kill him, then shall ye be our servants and serve 
us : I defy the armies of Israel this day ; give me a man, 
that we may fight together. 

What effect did this challenge produce upon 
the Israelites? 

They were greatly afraid, and fled from him. 

How often did he repeat his challenge ? 
Every morning and evening for forty days. 

What reward did Saul offer to the man who 
should kill the Philistine ? 

He promised him great riches, and also that he would 
give him his daughter in marriage. 

What did David say to Saul when he heard 
of the challenge ? 

He said, Let no man's heart fail because of him ; thy 
servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 

What objection did Saul make ? 
He said, Thou art not able to fight with him ; for thou 
art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 

What was David's reply ? 

Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came 
a lion and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock ; and 
I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out 
of his mouth ; and when he arose against me, I caught 
him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy 



60 COMPEflD OF SACRED HISTORY 

servant slew both the lion and the bear ; and this uncir. 
cumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he 
hath defied the armies of the living God. 

How did David prepare for the combat ? 

He chose five smooth stones out of the brook, and put 
them in a shepherd's bag ; and with his sling in his hand, 
he drew near to the Philistine. 

In what spirit did Goliath receive him ? 

When he saw that he was but a youth, he disdained 
him, and cursed him by his gods. 

How did David show his confidence in God ? 

He said to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a 
sword and with a spear ; but I come to thee in the name 
of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, 
whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver 
thee into my hand ; that all the earth may know that 
there is a God in Israel. 

What was the result of the engagement ? 

David ran toward the Philistine, and slung a stone and 
smote him in the forehead, so that he died ; and David 
took the giant's sword, and cut off his head, and brought 
it to Saul. 

What immediately followed the achievement ? 

The men of Israel arose, and shouted, and pursued 
the Philistines with great slaughter. 

What took place on their return from the 
slaughter ? 

The women came out of all the cities of Israel, sing, 
ing and dancing, and they said, Saul hath slain his thou- 
sands, but David his ten thousands. 

What effect had this upon Saul ? 
He was much displeased, because David was more 
honoured than himself. 

How did Saul regard David ever after ? 
He feared and hated him, and sought many times to 
kill him. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 61 

How did David conduct himself, and what 
was the result 1 

He behaved wisely in all his ways ; and the Lord was 
with him, and the people loved him. 

Did Saul perform his promise, and give his 
daughter to David ? 

He did ; but made a new condition, that David should 
kill one hundred Philistines ; because he hoped that in 
doing so, David would himself be slain. 

Did David agree to this proposition ? 
He did, and went and slew the Philistines ; so Saul 
gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 

Did this connection soften the feelings of 
Saul toward David ? 

No; he still hated him, and spake to Jonathan his son, 
and to all his servants, that they should kill him. 

How did David escape at that time ? 
Jonathan told David the purpose of his father ; so he 
hid himself in a secret place that night. 

What took place the next day ? 
Saul hearkened to the pleadings of Jonathan for Da- 
vid, and sware unto him that David should not be slain. 

What feelings existed between David and 
Jonathan 1 

They regarded each other with the tenderest affection, 
and Jonathan loved David as his own soul. 

What signal service did David again perform 
for his country ? 

In another war against the Philistines, David went 
out against them, and they fled before him, and he slew 
them with a great slaughter. 

What effect had this upon Saul 1 
His jealousy returned, and he sent men to watch Da- 
vid's house all night, and kill him in the morning. 



62 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

By what means was he delivered ? 
His wife let him down through a window ; and he 
escaped, and fled to Samuel at Ramah. 

What did Saul then do ? 

He sent messengers to Ramah to take him, and after- 
ward he went thither himself, but David had escaped. 

Whither did David go while Saul was at 
Ramah ? 

He sought an interview with Jonathan, and they 
agreed that David should hide in a field, while Jonathan 
interceded for him with Saul. 

Did Jonathan's intercession succeed? 

No ; Saul's anger was kindled, and he declared that 
David should surely die. 

What did David then do ? 

He went to Ahimelech the priest, and pretending he 
was going a journey on the king's business, he received 
from him the sword of Goliath ; after which he fled to 
Achish the king of Gath. 

When he left Gath, whither did he go ? 

To a cave called Adullam, where he was joined by 
his brethren, and all his father's house, and about four 
hundred men. 

What act of barbarity was Saul next guilty of ? 

He slew all the priests and inhabitants of Nob, be- 
cause Ahimelech had given David the sword of Goliath. 

What caused David to leave the cave soon 
after ? 

The prophet Gad directed him to return to the land 
of Judah, and he did so. 

What public service did David render soon 
after his return ? 

He again defeated the Philistines, who had invaded 
Israel and taken from them their cattle. 

When Saul heard that David had returned, 

what did he do? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 63 

He attempted to take him, and pursued him from 
place to place till he came to the wilderness of Engedi. 

What circumstance took place there ? 

Saul fell asleep in a cave where David and his men 
were hiding, but David nobly refused to kill him, because 
he was his king, and the Lord's anointed. 

How far did David avail himself of his advan- 
tage? 

He cut off the skirt of the king's robe. 

When Saul arose, what took place ? 

He arose and went out of the cave ; but David called 
after him, and when Saul looked behind, David bowed 
himself before him. 

What did David say to Saul 7 

He showed him the skirt of his robe, as a proof that 
he would not kill him ; and besought him to make peace, 
and leave off pursuing him. 

How was Saul affected by David's appeal ? 
He said, Is this thy voice, my son David. And Saul 
lifted up his voice and wept. 

What more did Saul say to David ? 

He confessed that David was better than himself, and 
that he knew the Lord had given him the kingdom ; and 
he entreated him to swear that he would not destroy 
his children when he was dead. 

How did this interview terminate ? 

David took the oath that Saul required of him ; after 
which Saul went home, and ceased for a while to perse- 
cute David. 

What mournful event occurred soon after ? 

Samuel the prophet died, being about ninety-eight 
years old ; and all Israel lamented him. 

Did Saul keep the promise he made to David? 

No, he again pursued him ; but David spared the king's 
life, when in his power, the second time ; so Saul went 
after him no more. 



64 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What did the Philistines do after the death 
of Samuel '/ 

They gathered a great army to fight against Israel ; 
and when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he 
trembled and was greatly afraid. 

Where did he look for advice at this time 1 
He inquired of the Lord what he should do ; but be- 
cause of his wickedness, the Lord answered him not. 

What had he recourse to in this extremity 1 
He disguised himself, and went by night to a witch 
at Endor, and desired her to raise up Samuel. 

Was his request granted ? 

Yes ; the Lord permitted Samuel to appear before Saul. 

What was the result of his inquiry ? 

Samuel foretold to him, that on the next day his army 
would be routed, he and his sons slain, and the kingdom 
given to David. 

How was this prediction accomplished ? 
In a battle fought at Gilboa the men of Israel fled 
before the Philistines, and Saul and his sons were slain. 

How was David affected when he heard of 
Saul's death? 

He rent his clothes and wept, and fasted that day. 

What did David do soon after this ? 

He inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into the 
cities of Judah ? and the Lord said unto him, Go up 
unto Hebron ; and he went there. 

What took place at Hebron ? 

The men of Judah came and anointed David king 
over the house of Judah. 



The reign of David, comprising^ period of forty years* 

How old was David when he became king ? 

Thirty years. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 65 

Did all the tribes acknowledge him ? 
No ; Abner set up Ishbosheth, a son of Saul, and for 
seven years he disputed with David for the throne of 

Israel. 

What was the consequence of this rivalry ? 

There was war between the house of David and the 
house of Saul ; but David grew stronger, and the house 
of Saul weaker. 

What became of Ishbosheth? 

Two of his servants killed him when he was asleep. 

What followed the death of Ishbosheth ? 

All the elders of Israel came to David at Hebron, and 
they anointed him king over Israel. 

What was David's first act as king of Israel ? 

He took Jerusalem frorn the Jebusites, and made it the 
capital of his kingdom. 

What king sent messengers to David to con- 
gratulate him? 

Hiram king of Tyre, who also sent him cedar trees, 
and carpenters and masons to build a palace for him. 

By whom was the peace of Israel disturbed ? 

By the Philistines, who made war against David, but 
the Lord delivered them into his hand. 

What did David do with the ark at this time ? 
He caused it to be removed from Kirjath-jearim to 
Jerusalem. 

What did he farther intend to do with it ? 

To erect a splendid temple, in which it might be de- 
posited. 

What preparations did he make for this pur* 
pose? 

He made ready stones, iron, brass, and cedar trees in 
great abundance. 

How was he prevented from building the 
temple ? 

5 



66 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The Lord sent Nathan the prophet to inform him 
that it should not be built until he was dead, but that 
his son who was to reign after him should build it. 

Why was David forbidden to build it ? 
Because he had been engaged in war, and shed so 
much blood. 

What conquest did David make after this ? 

He subdued the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, Amal- 
ekites, Amorites, and Edomites, and took great spoils ; 
and his name became great in all lands. 

How did David perform the oath which he 
sware unto Saul at the cave of En-gedi ? 

He inquired diligently whether any were left of the 
house of Saul ; and having found a son of Jonathan, he 
restored to him all that belonged to Saul, and treated 
him with great kindness. 

Of what wicked act was David during this 
time guilty ? 

He caused Uriah to be treacherously slain in battle, 
that he might obtain Bathsheba his wife. 

How did God show David that he was angry 
with him 1 

He sent Nathan the prophet to reprove him for his 
crime. 

What farther trouble occurred in David's 
family ? 

His son Absalom rebelled against him, and sent spies 
through the land, saying, Absalom is king. 

What success did he meet with ? 

The people joined him in such numbers that David 
was compelled to abandon Jerusalem, and flee beyond 
Jordan, to the land of Gilead. 

What were David's feelings while thus 
afflicted? 

He confessed his sins, and humbled himself before 



COMPBND OF SACRED HISTORY. 67 

God -j and said to his servants, It may be that the Lord 
will look upon mine affliction. 

What did Absalom do in the mean time 7 

He entered Jerusalem with his army, and from thence 
he pursued his father ; and the armies met in the wood 
of Ephraim. 

What took place there ? 

A battle was fought, in which the rebels were defeat- 
ed with the loss of twenty thousand men. 

What became of Absalom 1 

His head was caught in the boughs of an oak while 
riding through the wood, and his mule, going away, left 
him suspended to the tree ; and Joab, the captain of 
David's host, saw him and slew him. 

What was the result of Absalom's death ? 
The battle immediately ceased, and all Israel returned 
to their allegiance to David. 

How was David affected when he heard that 
Absalom was dead ? 

He cried with a loud voice, O Absalom, my son, my 
son, would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, 
my son ! 

How did David celebrate his deliverance 
from his enemies ? 

He composed a psalm of thankfulness, in which he 
recounted the mercies of God, and exalted him for his 
manifold blessings. 

After the land was at rest, what orders did 
David give ? 

He directed Joab to go through the land, and number 
the people. 

What report did Joab bring back ? 

That there were thirteen hundred thousand men able 
to bear arms. 

How did God regard this act of David ? 

The Lord was much displeased, because it was done 



68 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

in the pride of his heart, and without a proper depend- 
ance on the divine protection. 

How did the Lord show his displeasure ? 

He directed the prophet Gad to reprove David for his 
sin, and he sent a pestilence upon Israel, and there died 
of the people seventy thousand men. 

How was David affected by this calamity? 

He repented of his sins, and having offered sacrifices, 
he besought the Lord to afflict him and his house, but to 
spare the people. 

Did God regard the intercession of David ? 
Yes ; in answer to his prayer the plague was stayed. 

What took place in David's old age ? 
His son Adonijah, taking advantage of his infirmities, 
endeavoured to secure the throne for himself. 

Was this in accordance with David's will ? 
It was not ; for he had previously sworn to Bathsheba 
that Solomon her son should be king after him. 

When David heard of Adonijah's conduct, 
what did he do 1 

He assembled his counsellors, and solemnly declared 
before them that Solomon should reign after him ; and 
accordingly Zadok the priest anointed him king. 

What did David do before his death ? 
He called to him Solomon his son, that he might 
counsel and bless him. 

What charge did he give to Solomon ? 

He warned him of the danger and wickedness of doing 
evil; and besought him to serve God with a perfect heart 
and a willing mind. 

What other directions did he give him 1 

He instructed him how he should govern the kingdom. 

How long was David king of Israel ? 
Forty years. 

What is said of his death ? 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 69 

That he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, 
and honour. 



The reign of Solomon, comprising a period of forty 
years. 

How old was Solomon when he began to 
reign ? 
Eighteen years. 

How did the Lord bless him ? 
He magnified him exceedingly, and strengthened him, 
and established his kingdom. 

What act of worship did Solomon perform? 

He went to Gibeon, where the tabernacle was, and 
offered there a thousand burnt-offerings. 

What happened to him while at Gibeon ? 
The Lord appeared to him by night, and said, Ask 
what I shall give thee. 

What was Solomon's request? 

He said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy 
unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his 
stead ; now, O Lord, give me wisdom and knowledge, 
that I may judge this great people. 

What did the Lord grant him in answer to 
this prayer? 

He gave him not only wisdom and knowledge, but 
also riches and honour, greater than any king that was 
before him, or that should come after him. 

How was Solomon regarded by the people ? 

They feared him, because they saw that the wisdom 
of God was in him. 

What did Solomon soon after determine to do ? 

To build a house, or temple, for the worship of God, 
as he had been directed by David his father. 

What preparations did he make for this pur- 
pose? 



70 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

He raised seventy thousand labourers, eighty thou- 
sand men to hew wood and cut stones, and three thou- 
sand six hundred to oversee them. 

Who assisted Solomon in this work ? 
Hiram king of Tyre, who brought cedar and fir trees 
from Lebanon, and also furnished skilful workmen. 

How long was Solomon preparing materials? 
Three years. 

How many years had elapsed from the de- 
parture out of Egypt to the building of the 
temple ? 

Four hundred and eighty. 

How long was the temple in building ? 

Seven years. 

What encouragement did Solomon receive 
while building it ? 

The word of the Lord came to him, and said, that if 
Solomon kept his statutes, and walked in his ways, the 
Lord would dwell in the house which he was building, 
and would not forsake his people. 

What did Solomon do after the temple was 
finished ? 

He assembled all Israel to Jerusalem, and solemnly 
dedicated it to God. 

How long did the dedication continue ? 

Seven days. 

With what religious services was it attended % 

Sacrifices were made of sheep and oxen which could 

not be counted for multitude, the ark and holy vessels 

were placed in their proper places, and Solomon prayed 

for a blessing on the house and the people. 

What took place when Solomon had ended 
his prayer ? 

The glory of the Lord filled the house, and fire came 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 71 

down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice ; and all 
the people bowed down and worshipped the Lord. 

What farther manifestation was afterward 
made to Solomon ? 

The Lord appeared to him again by night, and told 
him that his prayer was answered, and that if he con- 
tinued faithful, his throne should be established for ever. 

What did Solomon build after the temple was 
finished ? 

He built a palace in Jerusalem ; and he also built 
Tadmor in the wilderness, and fortified many other 
cities and towns. 

What is said of the greatness of Solomon % 

His fame was in all lands, and all the kings of 
the earth sought his presence, to hear his wisdom and to 
see his glory. 

What is said of his magnificence ? 

His throne was of ivory overlaid with gold ; all the 
vessels of his house were of fine gold none were mado 
of silver, for it was accounted as nothing in the days of 
Solomon. 

When Solomon was old, what melancholy 
change took place in his character ? 

His wives turned away his heart after other gods, and 
he did evil in the sight of the Lord. 

How did the Lord regard his wickedness ? 

He was angry with him, and said, that he would take 
the kingdom from him, and give it to another ; but mat 
for David's sake he would leave it with him while he 
lived, and give his son one tribe. 

By whom was the peace of Israel disturbed 
in Solomon's latter days ? 

By Hadad the Edomite, and the king of Syria. 

How long did Solomon reign over Israel ? 

Forty years. 

For what was he celebrated 1 



72 C0MPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

For his great wisdom and riches, and the genera] 
prosperity of his reign. 

What books of the Bible were written by him ? 
The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Solomon's Song. 



From the death of Solomon to the captivity of the 
ten tribes, comprising a period of two hrndred and 
twenty-five years. 

Who succeeded Solomon as king of Israel ? 

Rehoboam, his son. 

How did the people recognise his right to the 
throne ? 

All Israel went to Shechem to make him king. 

Upon what condition did they promise to serve 
him? 

That he would remove the heavy burdens which his 
father had laid upon them. 

Did he comply with this reasonable demand ? 

No ; he answered them roughly,, and 6aid, My father 
made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke ; my 
father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you 
with scorpions. 

What was the consequence of Rehoboam's 
folly? 

The people immediately departed to their tents ; and 
ten of the tribes sent for Jeroboam the son of Nebat, 
and made him their king. 

Who remained with Rehoboam 2 
The tribes of Judah and Benjamin. 

How was his kingdom strengthened ? 

All the priests and Levites, and all that set their hearts 
to seek the Lord God of Israel, came and dwelt in Judah 
and Jerusalem. 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 73 

By what names were the two kingdoms 
known ? 

The ten tribes were called the kingdom of Israel ; and 
the others, the kingdom of Judah. 

What did Rehoboam do when thus abandon- 
ed by Israel ? 

He went to Jerusalem, and collected an army to fight 
against Jeroboam. 

How was he prevented from carrying his de- 
sign into execution ? 

The word of the Lord came to him, saying, Ye shall 
not fight against your brethren ; return every man to his 
house ; for this thing is from me : so they went not up. 

What took place in Judah during his reign 1 
The people did evil before God, and he delivered 
them unto the king of Egypt, who came against them 
with a great army, and having taken Jerusalem, he 
carried away the treasures laid up by Solomon. 

What effect had this calamity upon the king 
and people ? 

They humbled themselves before God, so that he 
turned away his wrath from them, and Rehoboam again 
strengthened himself. 

How long was Rehoboam king of Judah ? 
Seventeeen years ; and after his death Abijah, his son, 
reigned in his stead. 

How had Jeroboam governed Israel in the 
mean time ? 

He made Shechem the capital of the kingdom ; he also 
directed the people to assemble there for worship, in- 
stead of going to Jerusalem. 

Of what shameful idolatry was he guilty ? 

He made two golden calves, and said unto the people, 
Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of 
Egypt : and he offered sacrifices unto the calves. 



74 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

How did God manifest to him his displeasure ? 

He sent a prophet to cry out against him ; and when 
Jeroboam put out his hand to lay hold on him, his hand 
was dried up. 

How was he farther punished for his sins ? 

Abijah, the king of Judah, made war upon him ; and 
in a great battle Jeroboam was defeated ; and there fell 
of Israel five hundred thousand men. 

How long did Jeroboam reign over Israel? 

Twenty-two years, and was succeeded by Nadab, his 
son. 

Who was the third king of Judah ? 

Asa, who reigned forty-one years, and sought to re- 
form the people by destroying the idols, and worshipping 
the true God. 

What king made war upon Asa ? 

Zerah the Ethiopian, who came out against him with 
a million of men. 

What was the number of the army of Judah? 

Five hundred and eighty thousand valiant men. 

How did the war terminate ? 

The Ethiopians were defeated, and all their cities 
were destroyed. 

What message did the Lord send to Asa ? 

Azariah was directed to say to him, The Lord is with 
you, while ye are with him ; but if ye forsake him, he 
will forsake you. 

What kings reigned in Israel in the days of 
Asa % 

Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri ; all of whom 
offended the Lord by their wickedness. 

Who succeeded Asa as king of Judah ? 

Johoshaphat, who reigned twenty-five years ; and he 
did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and 
the Lord blessed him and made him great. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 75 

What kings reigned in Israel at the same 
time? 

Ahab, Ahaziah, and Jehoram. 

What great prophet lived in the days of Ahab ? 
Elijah. 

What character is given of Ahab ? 

He made a grove, and built an altar for Baal at Sa- 
maria : he married a heathen woman named Jezebel ; 
and was wicked above all that were before him. 

What did Elijah tell him should take place ? 

That there should be no rain for three years and six 
months, and consequently that the land should be afflict- 
ed with a famine. 

Where was Elijah commanded to dwell while 
this continued? 

In a cave by the brook Cherith ; and the Lord said, 
Thou shalt drink of the brook, and I have commanded 
the ravens to feed thee. 

Did this take place ? 

Yes ; the ravens brought him bread and flesh every 
morning and evening, and he drank of the brook ; but 
after a while the brook dried up. 

Where did the Lord then direct Elijah to go ? 

To Tarephath, a city between Tyre and Sidon ; for* 
eaid he, I have commanded a widow there to sustain 
thee. 

What took place when he came there ? 

He saw the woman near the gate of the city gathering 
sticks, and he asked her for a morsel of bread and some 
water. 

What reply did she make ? 

She said she had nothing for herself and son but a 
handful of meal and a little oil, and that she was now 
going to dress it, that they might eat it and die. 

What promise did he then make to her ? 

He told her to go and make him a cake, and said, 



76 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Fear not, for the barrel of meal shall not waste, nor the 
cruise of oil fail, until the Lord send rain upon the earth. 

Did the woman believe him ? 
Yes ; she went and did as Elijah had said, and he 
dwelt with her, and they did all eat many days. 

What affliction happened to this woman ? 
Her son fell sick and died, and she was greatly dis- 
tressed. 

When Elijah heard of it, what did he do ? 
He took the child and laid him upon his own bed, and 
besought the Lord to restore unto the woman her son. 

What effect had the prayer of the prophet ? 

The Lord heard him, and the child's soul came into 
him again, and Elijah brought him to his mother. 

What did the woman say when she saw her 
child restored ? 

She said, Now I know that thou art a man of God, 
and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth. . 

What took place after three years ? 
The Lord sent Elijah to inform Ahab that he would 
soon send rain upon the earth. 

When Ahab saw Elijah, what did he say to 
him? 

He said, Art thou he that troubleth Israel ? 

What was the prophet's reply ? 

I have not troubled Israel ; but thou and thy father's 
house, because thou hast forsaken the Lord, and follow- 
ed Baalim. 

What did he farther say to Ahab ? 

He told him to assemble all Israel upon Mount Carmel; 
and to bring also the prophets of Baal, that he might 
there prove which was the true God. 

When they were come together, what pro- 
posal did he make ? 

That he should offer a sacrifice to the Lord, and the 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 77 

prophets of Baal another to their gods, and that which- 
ever god answered by fire should be acknowledged as 
the God of Israel. 

Was this proposal agreed to? 

It was ; and accordingly the sacrifices were prepared, 
and the prophets of Baal called unto their god from 
morning till evening, but no answer came. Then Elijah 
prayed unto the Lord, and fire came down from heaven 
and consumed the sacrifice. 

When the people saw this, what did they do? 
They fell on their faces, and said, The Lord, he is 
God ! the Lord, he is God ! 

What became of the false prophets ? 
The people, at the command of Elijah, took them and 
slew them. 

What did Elijah then say to Ahab ? 

That there would very soon be an abundance of rain. 

Where did Elijah then go ? 

To the top of Mount Carmel, and directed his servant 
to look toward the sea seven times ; and at the seventh 
time he saw a little cloud, like a man's hand ; and 
soon after there was a great rain. 

When Jezebel heard that Baal's prophets 
were slain, what did she do ? 

She sent messengers to Elijah, telling him that by 
that time to-morrow he should be as one of them. 

What did this threat induce him to do ? 

He fled to the wilderness, where an angel provided 
him with food ; and from thence he went to Mount Horeb, 
and lodged in a cave. 

What happened to him at Horeb ? 

The word of the Lord came to him, saying, Go, anoint 
Hazael to be king of Syria, and Jehu to be king of 
Israel, and Elisha to be prophet in thy room. 

Whom did he meet on his way thence ? 

He found Elisha ploughing in a field ; and Elijah 



78 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

passed by, and cast his mantle upon him ; so Elisha 
arose and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. 

What occurred at Samaria during this time 1 
The king of Syria besieged it. 

How was Ahab encouraged at this time ? 

A prophet of the Lord told him that God would fight 
his battle and conquer the Syrians. 

What was the issue of this war ? 

The Syrians were defeated in two great battles, and 
the land had rest. 

What instance have we of Ahab's covetous- 
ness? 

In endeavouring to get possession of a vineyard ad- 
joining the royal palace, which belonged to a man 
named Naboth, who refused to sell it. 

What effect had Naboth's refusal upon Ahab ? 

He was much displeased, and, upon his return home, 
he told Jezebel his wife what had happened. 

What did his wife say to him ? 

She said, Arise, and let thy heart be merry, for I will 
give thee the vineyard of Naboth. 

What dreadful acts of wickedness did Jezebel 
commit ? 

She hired two men to swear that Naboth had blas- 
phemed God and the king ; and upon their false testi- 
mony Naboth was stoned to death. 

What judgments did Elijah pronounce upon 
Ahab and Jezebel ? 

He said unto Ahab, In the place where dogs licked 
the blood of Naboth shall dogs also lick thy blood ; and 
of Jezebel he said, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the 
walls of Jezreel. 

What became of Ahab ? 

He wa3 slain in battle with the Syrians, and the dogs 
licked his blood, as foretold by the prophet. 

Who became king of Israel after Ahab ? 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 79 

Ahaziah, his son, who reigned wickedly for two years. 
How did Elijah incur his displeasure 1 
The prophet sent him word by his own messengers, 
that because of his idolatry he would very soon die. 

What efforts did Ahaziah make to be avenged 
on him ? 

He sent three successive companies, of fifty men each, 
to take him ; but the first two companies were destroy- 
ed by fire from heaven ; and the last would have shared 
their fate, but that they besought Elijah to spare them. 

What were the last acts of Elijah ? 

He went with Elisha to Bethel and Jericho, and from 
thence to the Jordan, where Elijah by a miracle divided 
the waters, so that they passed over on dry ground. 

What took place while they were talking ? 
There suddenly appeared a chariot and horses of fire, 
and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 

What followed this wonderful event ? 

Elisha took up Elijah's mantle that had fallen from 
him, and he smote the waters of Jordan with the mantle ; 
and when he had done so, the waters divided. 

What happened to Elisha on his way to 
Bethel ? 

A number of children came out of the city and mocked 
him, saying, Go up, thou bald head ; and immediately 
two bears came out of the wood and killed forty-two of 
them. 

By whom was Elisha hospitably entertained 
at Shunem. 

By a rich woman, who kept a chamber for his use 
and supplied him with food ; and the Lord rewarded her 
by the birth of a son. 

What befell the child after he was grown ? 

He was taken sick and died : upon which the woman 
went to Mount Carmel and told Elisha ; and when he 
heard it, he returned with her, and restored the child to 
life. 



80 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What was the next miracle performed by 
Elisha ? 

He fed one hundred men with twenty barley loaves. 

Who came soon after to Elisha for relief? 

Naaman, a great man, who was captain of the host 
of the king of Syria, but was afflicted with leprosy. 

How did Naaman hear of Elisha ? 

A little Hebrew captive, who waited on Naaman's 
wife, told her mistress that there was a prophet in Sa- 
maria who could cure him. 

When Naaman came to Elisha, how did he 
receive him ? 

He sent a messenger to him, saying, Go wash in 
Jordan seven times, and thou shalt be clean. 

How did Naaman act when he heard this ? 

He was very angry, and said, Are not Abana and 
Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters 
of Israel ? may I not wash in them and be clean ? And 
he went away in a rage. 

What did he finally do ? 

One of his servants persuaded him to do as the 
prophet had said ; and when he did so he was healed. 

What effect had this cure upon Naaman ? 

He immediately returned to Elisha, and having bless, 
ed the Lord God of Israel, he entreated him to take a 
present, but Elisha would take none. 

What is said of Gehazi, Elisha's servant ? 

After Naaman was gone, he ran after him, and said 
that his master had consented to take a talent of silver 
and two garments, whereupon Naaman was pleased, 
and obliged him to take two talents. • 

When Gehazi returned, what did Elisha say 
to him 1 f 

He said, Whence comest thou, Gehazi ? and he an- 
swered him, Thy servant went no whither. 

Did Elisha know that Gehazi was trying to 
deceive him ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 61 

Yes ; he said unto him, Went not my heart with thee 
when the man turned from his chariot to meet thee. 

What severe punishment did he inflict on him ? 

He said, The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee 
and thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence 
a leper as white as snow. 

What service did Elisha render the king of 
Israel in his war with the Syrians ? 

He made known to him all the movements of the Sy- 
rian army. 

When the king of Syria discovered this, what 
did he do ? 

He sent a great host to take Elisha ; but when they 
came to the place where he was, they were all struck 
blind ; and he then led them to the city of Samaria. 

What became of Elisha ? 

He died when Joash was king of Judah, and Jehoash 
king of Israel. 

What remarkable circumstance took place 
after Elisha was buried ? 

A man was buried in the sepulchre of Elisha, but the 
moment he touched the bones of Elisha, the dead man 
revived, and stood up. 

What was the character of Joash king of 
Judah? 

The first part of his reign was prosperous and happy ; 
but he afterward became wicked, and consequently 
Hazael king of Syria was permitted to conquer him. 

What kings reigned in Israel at this time ? 
Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash. 

What kings succeeded Joash in Judah ? 
Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. 

How old was Uzziah when he became king? 
Sixteen years ; and he reigned very prosperously for 
fifty-two years. 

What were his principal acts ? 
6 



82 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

He conquered the Philistines, built many strong places, 
encouraged agriculture, and kept a great army, so that 
his name spread far abroad. 

What prophets lived in the days of Uzziah ? 
Joel, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, Jonah, and Obadiah. 

Who were kings of Israel after Jehoash? 
Jeroboam, Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, 
Pekah, and Hoshea, who was the last king of Israel. 

What were their general characters ? 
They were all idolaters, and did evil before God until 
the whole land was sunk in wickedness. 

What prophet lived in the days of Hoshea ? 
Hosea, who predicted the captivity of the ten tribes. 

How was this prophecy fulfilled ? 

The king of Assyria brought a great army against 
Israel, and took Samaria the capital, after a siege of 
three years. 

What became of the people ? 

The Assyrians carried them away captive, beyond 
the river Euphrates. 

Did they ever return to their own country ? 

Not many of them, for the king of Assyria brought 
men from other places to dwell in the cities of Israel. 

How long did the kingdom of Israel continue ? 
Two hundred and fifty-four years. 



From the termination of the kingdom of Israel to the 
Babylonish captivity, comprising a period of one Awn- 
dred and fifteen years. 

Who was king of Judah when Israel was 
conquered ? 

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, and he reigned twenty- 
nine years. 

What was his character ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 83 

He did what was right before God ; so the Lord pros- 
pered him greatly. 

What reforms did he introduce ? 

He purified the temple, and restored the worship of 
God by breaking down the idols that his father had 
made. 

What happened to Hezekiah when he had 
reigned fourteen years ? 

He was very sick, and the prophet Isaiah came to 
him, saying, Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die 
and not live. 

What did Hezekiah do when he heard it ? 
He prayed unto the Lord, and besought him with tears, 
that he would prolong his life. 

How did God regard his prayer ? 
He sent Isaiah to inform him that he would, in 
answer to his prayer, add to his life fifteen years. 

By whom was he succeeded ? 

By Manasseh, his son, who reigned fifty-five years. 

Did he follow the example of his father ? 

No ; the commencement of his reign was marked 
with great wickedness and cruelty, for which God pun- 
ished him, and afterward he repented of his sins and be- 
came better. 

What kings reigned after him ? 

Amon, Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah. 

How old was Josiah when he became king ? 

Eight years ; and he reigned thirty-one years. 

What were the first acts of his reign ? 

He broke down the altars of Baalim, and the idols, 
and images which the people worshipped, and while 
very young he began to seek and serve God. 

After putting away idolatry, what did he do ? 

He repaired the temple, and restored therein the wor- 
ship of the true God, which had been neglected during 
the reign of Manasseh. 



84 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

What was found in the temple when it wa* 
repaired. 

The priest found the book of the law of the Lord ; an* 
when the king heard it. read, he was sore distressed, 
because the people had in all things transgressed the 
commandments. 

To whom had Josiah recourse for counsel in 
this matter ? 

He sent messengers to Huldah the prophetess, ask- 
ing her, whether God would carry into effect his threat- 
ened judgments. 

What answer did she send back to him % 
That the Lord would punish the people, and make 

Jerusalem desolate ; but for Josiah's sake he would spare 

them until after his death. 

What eminent prophet lived in his days ? 
Jeremiah, who predicted the captivity of the Jews in 
Babylon, and also their return to their own country. 

What other prophets lived in the days of Josiah? 

Zephaniah and Habakkuk, both of whom prophesied 
of the destruction of Jerusalem. 

What became of Josiah ? 

He was slain in battle with the king of Egypt, and all 
Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. 

What was the character of his successors ? 
They did evil before God, until the land was full of 
iniquity ; and Jerusalem was filled with innocent blood. 

How did God regard their wickedness ? 

His anger was kindled against them, and he said, I 
will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have re- 
moved Israel ; and I will cast off Jerusalem, the city 
which I had chosen. 

How was this effected ? 

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came up against 
Jerusalem, and in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoia- 
kim he took the city. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 85 

What use did he make of the victory ? 

He made the king of Judah tributary to him, and also 
carried away the vessels of the temple to Babylon. 

What change took place in the reign of Ze- 
dekiah 1 

He rebelled against the king of Babylon, who there- 
upon came up with all his host against Jerusalem ; and 
after a siege of several months, the city was taken. 

What then became of Jerusalem ? 

The temple was destroyed, the walls of the city were 
broken down, and all the palaces were burned. 

What became of the people that escaped from 
the sword? 

They were nearly all carried captive to Babylon. 

How long had the kingdom of Judah existed? 
Four hundred and four years. 



The Babylonish captivity, comprising a period of 
severity years. 

Where was Babylon 1 

It was the capital of the Chaldean empire, and was 
about five hundred miles distant from Jerusalem. 

What did Nebuchadnezzar do with the king 
of Judah? 

He put out his eyes, and having bound him in fetters 
of brass, he sent him to Babylon and kept him in prison 
there. 

What command did Nebuchadnezzar give to 
one of his servants ? 

To choose some of the children of the king and princes 
of Judah, to be instructed in the learning and tongue of 
the Chaldeans. 

How long were their instructions to continue ? 
Three years, during which time they were to receive? 



86 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

a daily portion of the king's meat, and of the wine which 
he drank. 

Who are especially mentioned among the 
young Jews thus chosen ? 

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 

What resolution did they make ? 

That they would not defile themselves by eating the 
king's meat, or drinking his wine. 

What request did they make of the king's 
servant ? 

That he would give them pulse to eat, and water to 
drink. 

How did God manifest his favour to them ? 

He gave them knowledge and skill in all learning, 
and wisdom ; and Daniel had understanding in all visions 
and dreams. 

When the Jewish youths were brought before 
the king, how did he regard Daniel and his 
three friends ? 

He preferred them before all the others, because in 
all matters of wisdom that he inquired of them he found 
them ten times better than all the astrologers and ma- 
gicians that were in all his realm. 

What happened to Nebuchadnezzar soon after ? 

He dreamed a dream wherewith his spirit was troubled, 
and he sent for the magicians and astrologers to show 
him his dream. 

When they came, what did they say to him 7 
Tell thy servants the dream, and we will show the 
interpretation. 

What answer did the king make to them ? 

The thing is gone from me ; if ye do not make known 
the dream with the interpretation ye shall be put to 
death. 

What did he promise them, if they could make 
it known ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 87 

That they should receive gifts, rewards, and great 
honour. 

What answer did they give to him 1 
There is not a man on earth that can show the king's 
matter ; it is a rare thing that the king requires, and 
none can show it unto the king except the gods. 

What effect had this answer upon the king ? 

He was very furious, and commanded that all the. 
wise men of Babylon should be destroyed. v *** 

What did Daniel do when he heard this com- 
mand ? 

He desired of the king that he would give him time, 
and he would show the interpretation. 

What did Daniel then do ? 

He made the thing known to his three companions, 
that they might desire the mercy of God concerning this 
secret. 

Did God hear their prayers 1 

Yes ; the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. 

What did Daniel do when the dream was 
made known to him 1 

He went before the king^ and said, that the secret 
which the king demanded could not be shown by the 
magicians ; but that there was a God in heaven who 
revealed secrets. 

What did the king say to Daniel when he had 
told him his dream ? 

Of a truth, your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of 
kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldst re. 
veal this secret. 

How did he reward him ? 

He gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler 
over the whole province of Babylon. 

Did Daniel remember his thre« friends T 
Yes ; at his request the king promoted them over ih» 
affairs of the province of Babylon. 



88 C0MPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What new names were given to them ? 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

What did Nebuchadnezzar do soon after 7 
He set up in Babylon a golden image, sixty cubits 
high, and commanded all the people to worship it. 

What did he say should be done to those who 
would not worship it ? *• 

They should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery 
furnace. 

What report was brought to the king ? 

That Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had refused 
to worship the golden image. 

What did he do when he heard it ? 

He was very angry, and commanded that they should 
be brought before him. 

What did they say to the king ? 

They said, We will not serve thy gods, nor worship 
the image which thou hast set up ; our God is able to 
deliver us out of thy hand, O king. 

What order did the king then give ? 

That the furnace should be heated seven times hotter 
than, it was wont to be, and that they should be bound 
and cast into it. But the fire had no power over them, 
and they walked in the midst of it unhurt. 

When the king saw this miracle, what did he 
say to them ? 

He said, Ye servants of the most high God, come forth 
out of the fire ; and when they had done so, their hair 
was not singed, nor was the smell of fire upon them. 

What effect had their deliverance upon the 
king? 

He blessed God, and commanded all men to honour 
him. 

Who succeeded Nebuchadnezzar as king of 
Babylon ? 

Belshazzar. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 89 

What is said respecting him ? 

That he made a great feast to a thousand of his 

lords. 
Of what act of impiety was he then guilty 7 
He sent for the golden vessels which had been taken 

from the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, that he and 

his princes might drink wine out of them. 

What occurred while they were drinking ? 
There was seen the appearance of a man's hand, 
writing on the wall over against the king. 

How was the king affected by this sight ? 

His countenance was changed, and he was greatly 
alarmed. 

What did he do ? 

He cried aloud to bring in all the astrologers and 
1 soothsayers ; and promised them great rewards if they 
would read the writing, and show him the interpretation ; 
but they were not able to do it. 

How did the king and his lords then feel ? 

The king was greatly troubled, and his lords were 
astonished. 

When the queen heard of it, what did she do? 

She came into the banquet house, and told the king 
not to be troubled, for that if he sent for Daniel he would 
show him the interpretation. 

When Daniel came, what did the king say to 
him? 

He said, that if he could explain the writing, he should 
be clothed in scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his 
j neck, and be the third ruler in the kingdom. 

What did Daniel reply ? 

Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to 
another ; yet will I read the writing, and make known 
the interpretation. 

What was the writing and the interpretation 1 
This is the writing that was written : mene, mene, 
tekel upharsin. This is the interpretation, mene, God 



90 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it ; tekel, 
thou art weighed in the balances and art found wanting ; 
peres, thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes 
and Persians. 

When did these events come to pass 7 

The same night in which Darius the Median took the 
kingdom, and Belshazzar the king was slain. 

How was Daniel regarded by Darius the new 
king? 

Darius set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty 
princes, and over these three presidents, of whom Daniel 
was first ; and he thought to set him over the whole 
realm. 

Were the other princes pleased with the ele- 
vation of Daniel ? 

No : they sought to find occasion against him con- 
cerning the kingdom ; but could find none, because in 
all things he was faithful. 

What did they then say ? 

We shall not find occasion against this Daniel, except 
it be concerning the law of his God. 

How did they then endeavour to accomplish 
their purpose 1 

They went to the king, and said, All the presidents, 
and princes, and counsellors have consulted together to 
establish a decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition 
of any god or man, for thirty days, save thee, O king, 
shall be cast into the den of lions. 

Did Darius agree with their proposal ? 
Yes ; and he thereupon signed the decree. 

How did Daniel act under these circum- 
stances ? 

When he knew that the writing was signed, he went 
into his house ; and his windows being open toward 
Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, 
and prayed and gave thanks as he did aforetime. 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 91 

What report did his enemies then make to 
Darius 1 

They said that Daniel had not regarded his decree, 
but prayed three times a day. 

Did the king wish Daniel to be punished ? 
No ; he was sore displeased with himself, and set his 
heart upon Daniel to deliver him. 

Why could not the king deliver him ? 
Because the laws of the Medes and Persians could not 
\ be changed. 

What was the consequence of Daniel's diso- 
1 bedience ? 

He was cast into the den of lions. 

What did the king say to him ? 
Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will de- 
liver thee. 

How did the king pass the night ? 
He went to his palace, and spent the night fasting, 
and his sleep went from him. 

What did he do in the morning ? 

He arose early, and went in haste to the den, and cried 
with a lamentable voice, and said, O Daniel, servant of 
the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, 
able to deliver thee from the lions ? • 

What was Daniel's reply ? 

He said, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his 
angel, and hath shut the lions* mouths that they have not 
hurt me ; forasmuch as before him innocency was found 
in me ; and also before thee, O king, have I done no 
hurt. 

How did the king then feel ? 

He was exceeding glad, and commanded that Daniel 
should be taken out of the den. 

What became of Daniel's accusers ? 
They were cast into the same den, and destroyed by 
the lions. 



92 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

What decree did Darius then make ? 

that h was the Hving Go^VstaStlter 61 ' ** 

What is farther said of Daniel i 
the Pe a rsL e „ Pr0SPered » the re * n of »^i and of Cyrus 

duri^ assss* took piace - ■*** 

-^SS^kS^S^ and p «* — 

of^l h f PPeDed in the first J™ f Ae reign 

turTdl WaS * e nUmber ° f the Jews wh0 *>- 

Fort y . two thousand three hundred Md s ,^ 

*\™t bec t m ! of the v ^sels which had been 
taken from the house of the Lord » 

They were given up by Cyrus to the Jews, being in 



COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 93 

number five thousand four hundred, all of which were 
made of gold and silver. 

What did the people do when they came to 
Jerusalem ? 

They kept a feast, and offered many burnt offerings ; 
after which they prepared to rebuild the temple. 

What preparations did the people make for 
; this purpose ? 

They hired masons, carpenters, and other workmen, 
from Tyre and Sidon, and also procured cedar trees from 
Lebanon. 

When the foundation of the temple was laid, 
what took place 1 

The priests and the Levites gave thanks, and sung 
praises to God ; and all the people shouted with a great 
shout ; but many of the old men wept with a loud voice, 
when they remembered the glory of the former temple. 

What hinderance did they meet with in build- 
ing the temple ? 

The Samaritans did all in their power to oppose the 
progress of the work, because the Jews refused to let 
them assist in building it. 

What did the Samaritans do when Cyrus was 
dead ? 

They wrote a letter to the king of Persia, saying, that 
the Jews were a rebellious people, and thai if they were 
allowed to build their city, they would no longer pay 
tribute. 

Did this wicked scheme succeed ? 

Yes : the king gave orders that the rebuilding of Je- 
rusalem should cease ; and accordingly the work stopped 
until the reign of another king, named Darius. 

How did this king conduct himself toward 
the Jews? 

He gave them money to finish the temple, and di- 
rected that no one should hinder them in so doing. 



94 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What prophets lived at this time ? 

Haggai and Zechariah, who reproved the people for 
their delay in rebuilding the temple, and exhorted them 
to continue it. 

When was the temple completed ? 
In the sixth year of the reign of Darius, and thirty- 
one years after the return of the Jews from Babylon. 



Who afterward became king of Persia ? 
Ahasuerus, whose kingdom extended from Judea to 
Ethiopia. 

What is said respecting him ? 

That he made a great feast ; and when his heart was 
merry with wine, he sent for Vashti the queen, but she 
refused to come. 

What was the consequence of her refusal ? 
The king was very angry, and passed a decree that 
Vashti should no longer be queen. 

What was done to provide another queen in 
her place ? 

An order was issued that a great number of beautiful 
maidens should be gathered together at the king's palace, 
that he might choose one from among them to be queen. 

Who was in the king's palace at this time ? 
A certain Jew named Mordecai, who had been one 
of the captives carried to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. 

What account is given of his family ? 

That he had brought up as his own his uncle's 
daughter ; (for her father and mother were dead ;) her 
name was Esther, and she was fair and beautiful. 

What became of Esther ? 

She was brought to the king's house, with the other 
maidens ; and when the king saw her, he loved her above 
all the rest, so he made her queen instead of Vashti. 

What service did Mordecai render the king ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 95 

He discovered a conspiracy against the king's life, 
1 and made it known through Esther to the king. 
Who was the king's favourite servant % 
Haman. 

What honours did the king confer upon him 1 

He set him above all the princes, and commanded the 
officers of the kingdom to bow down to him. 

How did Mordecai treat this command ? 

He would not bow before Haman, who thereupon 
was very wroth, and resolved upon the destruction of 
all the Jews in the kingdom. 

How did he endeavour to effect his purpose ? 

He told the king, that there was a people scattered 
through the kingdom, which kept not the king's laws, 
and that unless they were destroyed the king would 
suffer. 

What answer did the king make to him ? 
He said, Do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 

What did Haman immediately do ? 

He sent letters to the governors and rulers of every 
province, directing that on a certain day named they 
should put to death every Jew, both young and old, in- 
cluding women and children. 

How were the Jews throughout Persia affect- 
ed by this order 1 

There was great mourning, and fasting, and wailing 
among them. 

Was the queen included in this decree ? 
No ; for neither the king nor Haman knew that she 
was a Jewess. 

What did Esther do when she heard of the 
king's edict ? 

She sent a message to Mordecai, that all the Jews in 
Shushan should fast for three days, after which she 
would go in unto the king, and intercede for her people. 



96 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What preparations did she make previous to 
making known her request? 

She invited the king and Haman to a banquet ; and 
when they came she invited them to come again the 
next day. 

What did Haman do in the interval ? 

He erected a gallows fifty cubits high, hoping that the 
king would permit him to hang Mordecai thereon. 

What happened to the king that night 1 

He could not sleep, and he therefore commanded that 
the chronicles of the kingdom should be read to him. 

What did the king discover when the records 
were read? 

That Mordecai had on a former occasion saved the 
king's life, for which he had never been rewarded. 

While the king was thus engaged, who came 
in? 

Haman ; and the king said unto him, What shall be 
done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour ? 

What was Haman's answer ? 

He said that such a person should be brought through 
the streets, riding on the king's horse, arrayed in royal 
apparel ; and should be led by one of the king's most 
noble princes. 

Why did Haman give the king this advice ? 
Because he thought in his heart, that he was the man 
whom the king intended to honour. 

What did the king then say? 
He commanded Haman to take Mordecai the Jew, 
and do unto him in all things as he had said. 

What took place when Mordecai's triumph 
was over ? 

The king and Haman went in to the queen's banquet. 

What promise did the king make to Esther? 

That he would give her any thing she desired, even 
to the half of his kingdom. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 97 

What request did Esther then make ? 

She immediately besought the king that the wicked 
decree might be reversed, so that her life, and the liveib 
of her people might be spared. 

What was the consequence of this request ? 

The king was filled with anger against Hainan, and 
directed that he should be hanged upon the gallows 
which he had erected for Mordecai. 

What change resulted from Hainan's death 7 

Mordecai was appointed first ruler in the kingdom ; 
and a new decree issued that the Jews should be per- 
mitted to defend themselves. 

Why was not the order for the destruction 
of the Jews reversed ? 

Because the law of the Medes and Persians could not 
be revoked. 

What was the effect of the new decree ? 

The Jews defended themselves bravely, and there fe 11 
of their enemies seventy-five thousand men. 

W r hat is farther said of Mordecai ? 
That he was next to the king in greatness ; and that 
his fame went throughout all the kingdom. 



What distinguished priest lived at this time ? 

Ezra, who was appointed by the king of Babylon .to 
be governor of Judea, Which government he retained for 
about thirteen years. 

When did he go from Babylon to Jerusalem % 

About seventy-nine years after the decree of Cyrus. 
Who went with him from Babylon ? 
A considerable number of the people of Israel who had 
remained there until that time. 

What great work did Ezra design to accom- 
plish? 

To restore the worship of the true God ; and to reform 
the people, and build up the kingdom. 

7 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Into what particular sin had the people fallen ? 

They had intermarried with the heathen nations 

around them,which God had commanded them not to do. 

How was Ezra affected by a knowledge of 

this sin? 

He was deeply afflicted, and earnestly besought the 
Lord not to punish the people. 

How did he endeavour to put away this evil ? 

He assembled the people together at Jerusalem, and 
showed them their wickedness, and directed them to put 
away their strange wives. 

How did the people receive this command 1 
They confessed their sin, and answered with a loud 

voice, As thou hast said, so must we do. And they ac. 

cordingly did so. 

Who became the next governor of Judea ? 

Nehemiah. 

Where had Nehemiah previously lived ? 
At Shushan, the capital of Persia, where he was em- 
ployed as the king's cup-bearer. 

What circumstances led to his appointment ? 

He was told that the people at Jerusalem were in great 
affliction, and that the walls of the city lay waste ; he 
then entreated the king to send him to rebuild the city. 

Did the king grant his request 7 

Yes ; he permitted him to do all that he desired ; so 
Nehemiah went to Jerusalem, and exhorted his brethren 
to build up the walls of the city, that they might be no 
more a reproach. 

How did the people receive this exhortation? 

They said, Let us rise up and build. So they strength- 
ened their hands for the work, and it was carried on 
with great rapidity. 

How did their enemies regard their rapid 
progress ? 



COMPEN0 OF SACRED HISTORY. 99 

They were very wroth, and did all m their power to 
stop the work. 

What measures were taken to withstand them? 

The men worked with their swords by their sides, 
and while one half were building, the other half were 
on guard. 

How long was the wall in building 1 

Only fifty-two days. 

What effect had its completion on the ene- 
mies of the Jews ? 

They were cast down, because they saw that the 
work was of God. 

Meanwhile how had Ezra been employed ? 

In collecting and arranging in order the books of the 
law as some of them had been scattered abroad during 
the captivity. 

What took place after the wall was finished? 
Ezra and the Levites read the books of the law to 
the people, and caused them to understand the reading. 

What occurred after the reading of the law ? 

The people made a new covenant with God, and pro- 
mised to keep his commandments faithfully. 

Where did Nehemiah go after the wall of Je- 
rusalem was built ? 

He returned to Babylon, as he had been directed by 
the king ; but soon after he received a new commission, 
and came again to Jerusalem. 

What had taken place during his absence ? 

The people had again sinned against God, by violating 
the sabbath, and marrying strange women. 
What prophet was raised up at this time 1 
Malachi, who was the last of the prophets : he warned 
the Jews of the judgments that should come upon them, 
unless they repented and abandoned their sins ; and also 
foretold the coming of John the Baptist, and of Christ. 

What is farther said of Nehemiah \ 

That he devoted himself unceasingly to reforming the 



100 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

people, and that during his government the laws were 
faithfully executed. 

How long was he governor of Judea 1 

About thirty-six years. 



Summary of Jewish history , from the end of the Old 
Testament to the commencement of the New ; com- 
prising a period of four hundred years. 

After the death of Nehemiah, the Jews re- 
tained a nominal independence, but were in 
reality tributary to the kings of Persia, and 
continued so for about two hundred years, until 
the destruction of that kingdom by Alexander 
the Great. Under the government of his succes- 
sors, Judea became a part of the Syro-Macedo- 
nian empire, but was soon after conquered by 
the king of Egypt. It was governed by the 
Egyptians for one hundred years, during which 
time the Scriptures were translated into Greek 
by seventy-two learned scribes ; this version is 
called the Septuagint. It afterward became sub- 
ject to the kings of Syria, and all the country 
west of the Jordan, w T hich was then called 
Palestine, was divided into three provinces, 
Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. In the mean time 
the people had relapsed into their former wick- 
edness, and vast numbers of them had settled 
in Egypt, Asia Minor, and Greece, which caused 
a general defection in the observance of their 
ancient customs and laws. During the reign 
of Antioehus Epiphanes they were cruelly per- 
secuted and oppressed, the temple was plunder- 
ed and profaned, and a decree was made that 



GQMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 101 

the gods of Greece alone should be worshipped. 
The sufferings of the people drove them to de- 
spair, and the standard of revolt was finally 
raised by Mattathias, a pious and distinguished 
priest, and his five sons, by whom Antiochus 
was defeated in many battles, and the Jews 
again became an independent nation. The 
family of Mattathias, called the Maccabean or As- 
monean dynasties, reigned over Judea one hun- 
dred and twenty-nine years, during which time 
the nation recovered much of its former glory ; 
the temple was purified and dedicated anew, in 
commemoration of which event a yearly feast, 
called the feast of the dedication, was afterward 
observed ; the laws were faithfully administer- 
ed, and the worship of God strictly attended to. 
In a dispute for the crown, between two brothers, 
Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, Pompey, a Roman 
general, took possession of Jerusalem, upon pre- 
tence of deciding between them. His decision 
was in favour qf Hyrcanus, but on condition that 
he should pay an annual tribute, and acknow- 
ledge the authority of Rome. Hyrcanus was 
afterward put to death by Herod, to whom the 
crown of Judea was given by the Roman senate, 
and who was the last king that reigned in Israel. 
He governed the people forty years, and was 
distinguished as a great and powerful prince, 
but he was cruel and treacherous, and his pri- 
vate life was marked with infamy and folly : he 
rebuilt the temple, and performed many other 
great public works. During the last years of 
his life occurred the most memorable event that 



102 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

ever took place in the earth ; — the long predict- 
ed and expected Messiah was born, in the city 
of Bethlehem, four thousand years after the 
creation of the world. The circumstances con- 
nected with his life and death are recorded in 
the gospels contained in the New Testament. 



The life of Christ, comprising a period of thirty-three 
years. 

What are the principal subjects of the New 
Testament history ? 

The lives of Jesus Christ and his apostles. 

What was the object of Jesus Christ's coming 
into the world ? 

That he might by his life show us a perfect example 
of holy living, and in his death make an atonement for 
the sins of the world. 

What was prophesied respecting his coming ? 

That he should be born of a virgin, in the city of 
Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, and the family of 
David. 

When were these predictions accomplished ? 

During the reign of Herod, the last king of Judea. 

Who was sent to prepare his way? 
John the Baptist, son of Zacharias a priest, and Eli- 
zabeth his wife. 

What character is given of Zacharias and 
Elizabeth ? 

That they were both righteous before God, and walk- 
ed in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. 

What happened to Zacharias in the temple, 
before the birth of John ? 






COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 103 

An angel appeared unto him, and said that he should 
have a son born to him in his old age, and that his name 
should be called John. 

What account did the angel give of the child's 
future destiny? 

He said, He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, 
and be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth ; and he 
shall go in the spirit and power of Elias, to make ready 
a people prepared for the Lord. 

How did Zacharias receive this message ? 
He said to the angel, Whereby shall I know this ? for 
I am an old man, and my wife is well stricken in years. 

What sign was then given to him ? 

That he should be dumb, and not able to speak, until 
the day that these things were performed ; because he 
believed not the words of the angeL 

What happened six months after this ? 
The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto Nazareth, 
a city of Galilee. 

To whom was he sent 1 ; 

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was 
Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name 
was Mary. 

How did the angei salute her 7 
He said unto her, Hail, thou that art highly favour- 
ed ; the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou among women. 

What signal honour did he say awaited her ? 

He said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found 
favour with God, and behold thou shalt bring forth a 
son,and thou shalt call his name Jesus ; he shall be great, 
and shall be called the Son of the Highest : and he shall 
reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his king- 
dom there shall be no end. 

What did Mary do after the angel left her 1 

She went in haste from Galilee to Judea, and entered 
fhe house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth. 



J04 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY, 

When Elizabeth saw Mary how was she af- 
fected 1 

She was filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake with a 
loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, 
and blessed is he that shall be born of thee. 

How long did Mary remain with Elizabeth 1 
Three months, after which she returned to Nazareth, 

What took place soon after ? 

A son was born to Zacharias, as the angel had said. 

What took place on the eighth day ? 

The neighbours and friends came together to circum- 
cise the child : and they called him Zacharias, after the 
name of his father ; but his mother said, Not so, but he 
shall be called John. 

What did they then say and do ? 

They said, There is none of thy kindred that is called 
by this name. And they made signs to his father how he 
would have him called. 

How did Zacharias answer them? 

He asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His 
name is John. And immediately his mouth was opened, 
fcntf his tongue loosed, and he spake and praised God. 

What effect was produced by these events ? 

Fear came upon all that dwelt round about ; and all 
that heard these sayings laid them up in their hearts, 
paying, What manner of child shall this be ? 

What became of John ? 

The hand of the Lord was with him ; and he grew 
and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until 
ihe day of his showing unto Israel. 



What circumstances caused Joseph and Mary 
to visit Bethlehem ? 

A decree went forth from Cesar Augustus that all the 
inhabitants of Judea should be enrolled, for which pur- 
pose everyone went up to his own city. 



CQMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 1Q5 

What happened while they were there ? 
Mary was delivered of her first-born son. 

What was done with the child ? 
He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a 
manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

What other event occurred about this time ? 
An angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds 
who were keeping watch over their flocks by night. 

How did the angel address them ? 

He said unto them, Fear not ; for behold I bring you 
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people ; 
for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a 
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

What sign did he give them to find the child ? 
He said, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling 
clothes, lying in a manger. 

What then took place ? 

There suddenly appeared with the angel a multitude 
of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to 
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to 
men. 

What did the shepherds then do ? 
They went to Bethlehem, and found the babe lying in 
a manger, as the angel had said. 

Where did Joseph and Mary take the child 
soon after his birth 1 

They took him to Jerusalem, to present him to the 
Lord in the temple, and to offer a sacrifice according to 
the law of Moses. 

Who is mentioned as then dwelling at Jeru- 
salem ? 

A devout man named Simeon, to whom it was re- 
vealed by the Holy Ghost, that he should not die before 
he had seen the Lord's Anointed. 

When he saw the child Jesus what did he do ? 
He took him in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 



106 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for 
mine eyes have seen thy salvation. 

What other remarkable circumstance marked 
the birth of Christ ? 

There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 
saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews ? for 
we have seen his star in the east, and are come to wor- 
ship him. 

How was Herod affected when he heard this? 

He was much troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

What did he immediately do ? 
He gathered the chief priests and scribes together, and 
demanded of them where Christ should be born. 

What answer did they make to Herod ? 

They told htm, it was written by the prophets that he 
should be born in Bethlehem of Judea. 

Where did he send the wise men ? 

To Bethlehem, and said, Go, search diligently for the 
young child, and when ye have found him, bring me 
word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

Did Herod intend to worship Jesus ? 
No ; he only desired to know where he was, that he 
might put him to death. 

How were the wise men directed to the place 
where the child was ? 

The star which they saw in the east went before 
them, till it stood over the place where he was. 

When they came to the place, whom did they 
see ? 

They saw the young child with Mary his mother ; 
and they fell down and worshipped him, and presented 
him with gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

What became of the wise men ? 

They were warned of God in a dream not to return 
to Herod, and therefore departed to their own country 
another way. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 107 

What took place after they were gone ? 

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, 
1 and said, Arise, and take the young child and his mo- 
ther, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring 
thee word ; for Herod will seek the child to destroy him. 

Did Joseph do as he was directed ? 

Yes ; he departed into Egypt, and continued there 
until the death of Herod. 

What act of wickedness did Herod then 
commit ? 

When he saw that the wise men mocked him, he was 
very wroth ; and sent forth and slew all the children in 
and near Bethlehem, from two years old and under, in 
the hope of killing Jesus among them. 

When Joseph returned from Egypt, where did 
he dwell ? 

In the city of Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which 
was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Na- 
zarene. 

To what place did the parents of Jesus go 
every year ? 

To Jerusalem, to celebrate the feast of the passover. 

How old was Jesus when he was taken to 
Jerusalem ? 

Twelve years, according to the law of Moses. 

What occurred to alarm his parents on their 
return home? 

They found, after going a day's journey, that the child 
was not with them, upon which they returned to Jeru- 
salem to look for him. 

Where did they find him ? 

After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting 
in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and ask- 
ing them questions. 

How were they that heard him affected ? 



108 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

They were astonished at his understanding and an- 
swers. 

Where did he then go ? 

He went down with his parents to Nazareth, and was 
subject unto them ; and he increased in wisdom and 
stature, and in favour with God and man. 

At what time did John the Baptist commence 
his ministry? 

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberias Cesar, 
and when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. 

How did he first appear among the people ? 

He began to preach in the wilderness of Judea, say- 
ing unto the people, Repent ye, for the kingdom of 
heaven is at hand. 

What is said of his dress and food ? 

His raiment was of camels' hair, with a leathern girdle 
about his loins ; and his meat was locusts and wild 
honey. 

Did the people listen to his instruction ? 
There came out to him all Judea, and Jerusalem, and 
all the region round about Jordan. 

What effect had his preaching upon the peo- 
ple ? 

They all believed on him, and were baptized in the 
river Jordan, confessing their sins. 

What did John say concerning himself ? 

I indeed baptize with water ; but there is one that 
cometh after me, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear ; 
he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 



What was the first act of our Lord's public 
life? 

He came from Nazareth, to be baptized by John in 
Jordan. 

What miracle attended our Lord's baptism ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 109 

When he was coming up out of the Water, the heavens 

•| were opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a 

dove, and rested upon him ; and a voice came from 

heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am 

well pleased. 

Whither did Jesus go after his baptism 1 
He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be 
tempted of the devil. 

How long did he remain there 1 
Forty days and forty nights ; during which time he 
fasted, and Satan was continually tempting him. 

At the end of forty days what took place ? 
The devil left him ; and angels came and ministered 
unto him. 

How did the Jews regard the coming of John ? 

They communed together,and sent priests and Levites 
from Jerusalem, to ask him if he was the Messiah ; and 
he said, I am not. 

What did John say he was ? 

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilder- 
ness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord ; make his paths 
straight. 

What took place the next day 1 

John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold 
the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the 
world. 

W T ho followed Jesus when they heard this 
testimony of John ? 

Three men, named Andrew, Simon Peter, and Philip, 
who were the first chosen of the twelve apostles. 

What happened on the third day after these 
events ? 

There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus, 
and his mother, and his disciples were invited to the feast. 

What miracle did Jesus perform there ? 
He changed six water pots of water into win*. 



110 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

What effect was produced by this his first 
miracle ? 

His power and glory were thereby manifested, and his 
disciples believed. 

Where did Jesus go soon after this ? 
To Jerusalem ; it being near the time of the feast of 
the passover. 

What did he find in the temple 1 
He found sitting there those that sold oxen, and sheep, 
and doves, and the changers of money. 

What did he do with them 1 

He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep 
and oxen, and poured out the changers' money, and 
overthrew the tables. 

What reason did he give for this course ? 
He said, Take these things hence ; make not my Fa- 
ther's house a house of merchandise. 

What was the result of his visit to Jerusalem ? 
Many believed on him when they saw the miracles 
which he did. 

Who came to him by night ? 
A man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler 
of the Jews. 

How did he address our Lord ? 

He said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a 
teacher come from God, for no man can do the miracles 
that thou doest except God be with him. 

What reply did our Lord make to him ? 
He said, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man 
be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

What did he mean by this ? 
That all men are born in sin, and unless their hearts 
are changed they cannot enter into heaven. 

Who was at this time ruler of Galilee ? 

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. Ill 

What great sin had he committed 

He married Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, during 
the life-time of his brother. 

How did John the Baptist incur his dis- 
pleasure ? 

He boldly reproved him for his wickedness, and said, 
It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 

How was Herod revenged upon him ? 
He laid hold upon him, and bound him, and put him 
in prison. 

What farther punishment did he wish to in- 
flict upon him ? 

He would have put him to death, but feared the peo- 
ple, because they regarded John as a prophet. 



How long did our Lord continue in Judea? 

Eight months ; after which he returned to Galilee. 

To what place did he come in the course of 
his journey ? 

To a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the par- 
cel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph : and 
Jacob's well was there. 

While Jesus was resting at the well, what 
happened ? 

A woman of Samaria came there to draw water, and 
Jesus said unto her, Give me to drink. 

What reply did she make to him ? 

How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, 
which am a woman of Samaria ? for the Jews had no 
dealing with the Samaritans. 

How did he answer this question ? 

He said, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it 
is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest 
have asked of him, and he would have given thee 
living water. 



112 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

After talking together, what did the woman 

say ? 

I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ ; 
when he is come he will tell us all things. 

What reply did our Lord make ? 

He said unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 

What effect had this conference upon the 
woman ? 

She left her water pot, returned into the city, and said 
to the men, Come and see a man that told me all things 
that ever I did : is not this the Christ ? 

How did the Samaritans regard him ? 
Many believed on him, and said, This is indeed the 
Christ, the Saviour of the world. 

Where did he go thence ? 

To Cana in Galilee, where he had performed his first 
miracle. 

Who heard of his coming to Cana ? 

A certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Caper- 
naum and about to die. And the nobleman went to 
Jesus, and besought him to come down to Capernaum 
and heal his son. 

What reply did Jesus make to him ? 
He said, Go thy way, thy son liveth ; and the noble- 
man believed on him and returned home. 

What took place as he was returning home ? 

His servants met him, and informed him that his son 
had suddenly recovered. 

What question did he put to the servants ? 
He asked them at what time his son began to mend, 
and they said, Yesterday about the seventh hour. 

What was the result of this inquiry ? 

The father knew that it was the same hour in which 
Jesus had spoken. And he believed, and with him his 
whole house. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 113 

After leaving Cana where did Jesus go ? 

To Nazareth ; where he entered the synagogue and 
taught the people, and declared himself to be the Messiah. 

What consequences followed his preaching at 
Nazareth ? 

The people rose against him, and would have put him 
to death, but he passed through the midst of them ; and 
leaving Nazareth he came and dwelt in Capernaum. 

Whom did Jesus find there ? 
As he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw four fish- 
ermen engaged in mending their nets and in fishing. 

How did Jesus address them % 

He said, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of 
men. And immediately they left their nets and follow- 
ed him. 

What were their names ? 

Peter, and Andrew, and James, and John. 

How did he confirm the faith of these apostles ? 
He displayed his great power, in causing them to 
procure a mighty draught of fishes. 

What other miracles did he perform at that 
time ? 

He cured a man that had an unclean spirit ; and also 
restored Peter's wife's mother, who lay sick of a fever. 

W r hat effect had his teachings and miracles at 

Gapernaum ? 

The people were astonished at his doctrines, and his 
fame spread abroad throughout all the country. 

What did he do upon leaving Capernaum ? 

He went through Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, 
and healing all manner of disease among the people. 

On his return to Capernaum, what took place J 

A man sick of the palsy was brought to him to be 

healed ; and when they could not bring him in at the 

door for the multitude, they got upon the house-top, and 

let him down through the roof. 

8 



114 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

When Jesus saw their faith, what did he say? 

He said to the sick man, Arise, take up thy bed, and go 
to thy house. And immediately he did so, glorifying God. 

Whom did Jesus see soon after ? 

A man named Matthew, who followed Jesus and 
became an apostle. 

For what purpose did Jesus leave Capernaum ? 

To attend one of the great feasts at Jerusalem. 

What miracle did he perform at the pool of 
Bethsaida ? 

He cured a man who had had an infirmity for thirty, 
eight years. 

How did the Jews treat Jesus in consequence 
of this miracle ? 

They persecuted and sought to slay him, because he 
did it on the sabbath day. 

How were the Pharisees again offended with 
him? 

Because, on the next sabbath, his disciples went 
through the corn-fields, and, being hungry, plucked the 
ears of corn and ate them. 

What occurred soon after this ? 

He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and 
finding there a man whose right hand was withered, he 
healed him. 

How did these things affect the Pharisees ? 

They were very angry, and consulted together how 
they might destroy him. 

How did our Lord vindicate himself and his 
disciples ? 

He reproved the Pharisees for their hypocrisy ; and de- 
clared that it was lawful to do good on the sabbath day. 

Where did Jesus go soon after this ? 
He went up into a mountain, and continued all night 
in prayer to God. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 115 

What important event took place the next day? 
He called unto him his disciples, and out of them he 
chose twelve, whom he also named his apostles. 

For what purpose did he set apart the twelve ? 
That he might thoroughly instruct them in his doc- 
trine, and afterward send them out to preach the gospel. 

What were the names of the twelve apostles? 

Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his bro- 
ther ; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother ; 
Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the 
publican ; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus 
whose surname was Thaddeus ; Simon the Canaanite, 
and Judas Iscariot. 

What then took place ? 

A great multitude of his disciples being assembled, he 
preached to them the discourse called the sermon on 
the mount. 

Where did he then go ? 

To Capernaum, where he healed a centurion's ser- 
vant who was sick of the palsy. 

What took place the next day ? 
He went to the city of Nain, where he raised to life 
the son of a poor widow. 



What had John heard while in prison ? 

His disciples had told him of the wonderful works 
which Jesus had wrought. 
When John heard these things, what did he do ? 
He sent two of his disciples unto Jesus, saying, Art 
thou he that should come, or do we look for another ? 

How did Jesus answer this question ? 

He told them to return and tell John all the miracles 
which they had seen and heard of ; and also that he had 
preached the gospel to the poor. 

Why did he thus answer John ? 



116 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Because these were the things which John had himself 
foretold that the Messiah should perform. 

What did our Lord afterward do ? 

He predicted the calamities that should come upon 
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for their wicked- 
ness in rejecting him. 

What offer of mercy did he then make to the 
people ? 

Pie said unto them, Come unto me all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Where did Jesus afterward go ? 

He went through every city and village, preaching, and 
showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And 
the twelve were with him. 

On his return to Capernaum, what did he do ? 
He went into a boat, and the multitude stood on the 
shore while he taught them. 

When he had finished his instructions, what 
took place ? 

He entered into a ship, with his disciples, to cross over 
to the other side of the sea. 

What occurred on the passage ? 

A great storm arose, so that they were in danger of 
sinking ; and Jesus, being asleep, was awoke by his dis- 
ciples, who said, Lord, save us ; we perish. 

What did he do, and what was the result ? 

He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the 
sea, Peace, be still. And immediately the wind ceased, 
and there was a great calm. 

Who met him on the other side, in the coun- 
try of the Gadarenes ? 

Two men possessed with devils, who lived in the 
mountains and tombs, and were so fierce that no one 
could pass near them. 

How did our Lord show forth his power ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 117 

He commanded the devils, and they departed out of 
the men. 

What miracles did he perform on his return 
to Capernaum? 

Jairus's daughter was raised from the dead ; a woman 
was healed of her disease by touching his garment ; two 
blind men were restored to sight; and a dumb man 
had a devil cast out. 

Where did he go thence ? 

Through all the cities and villages of Galilee, preach- 
ing the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner 
of sickness and disease among the people. 

What power and directions did he now give 
the twelve apostles ? 

He gave them power to work all kinds of miracles, 
and sent them forth, two and two, through Galilee and 
Judea to preach the gospel. 

Who heard at this time the fame of Jesus? 

Herod the tetrarch ; and he was alarmed, because he 
feared that it was John the Baptist risen from the dead. 

What had become of John ? 

He had been beheaded in prison by order of Herod. " 






Where did Jesus and his apostles again meet ? 
In a desert place on the sea of .Galilee. 

Was Jesus alone with the twelve ? 

No ; for when the people heard of their coming, they 
gathered together to the number of five thousand men, 
besides women and children. 

How long did they listen to his instructions ? 

Until the day was far spent, and they became faint for 
want of food. 

What wonderful miracle was there performed? 

The whole multitude were plentifully fed, with five 
barley loaves and two small fishes, besides which there 
were twelve baskets full of the fragments left. 



118 COMPEND OP SACRED HISTORY. 

When the people were gone, what took place ? 
Jesus sent his disciples by sea to Bethsaida, while he 
went alone into a mountain to pray. 

How did they proceed on their voyage ? 

They rowed nearly all night and went but a little way, 
as there was a great wind, and the ship was tossed by 
the waves. 

What occurred to them toward morning 1 
They saw Jesus approaching, walking on the sea ; but 

they knew him not, and, supposing it was a spirit, they 

cried out for fear. 

How did he quiet their alarm ? 
He said, Be of good cheer ; it is I, be not afraid. And 
when he was come into the ship, the wind ceased. 

What effect did these miracles produce upon 
those in the ship ? 

They were amazed, and came and worshipped him, 
saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

What happened the next day ? 

The people brought to him all that were sick or dis- 
eased in any way ; and as many as touched him were 
made perfectly whole. 

Where did he go thence 

He went toward Tyre and Sidon, teaching the peo. 
pie, and performing many miracles ; and on their return 
to Galilee, he fed four thousand men with seven loaves 
and a few small fishes. 

What did he teach his disciples from that 
time forth ? 

That he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things 
of the chief priests, and scribes, and elders, and be put to 
death, and rise again the third day. 

What took place six days after he had pre- 
dicted these events ? 

He took Peter, James, and John into a high mountain, 
and was there transfigured before them. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 119 

How did Jesus appear, and who were seen 
with him 1 

His countenance shone as the sun, and his raiment 
was white as snow ; and suddenly Moses and Elijah ap- 
peared, and spake to him of his death. 

What added to the glory of the scene 7 

A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came 
out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in 
whom I am well pleased ; hear ye him. 

What was the probable design of this event ? 
That the disciples might be convinced, beyond ail 
doubt, that Jesus was the Messiah. 

What did our Lord do soon after this ? 

He appointed seventy disciples, and sent them two 
and two into every city and place whither he intended 
going. 

How did he prepare them for their work 1 
He gave them instructions like those he had before 

given to the twelve apostles, and enabled them to work 

miracles by healing the sick. 

After sending forth his disciples, where did 
he go? 

To Jerusalem, to celebrate the feast of tabernacles. 

What did he do while there ? 
He taught the people in the temple, and boldly re- 
proved the Pharisees and rulers for their wickedness. 

What effect had his preaching upon the Jews 
who heard him ? 

They hardened their hearts, and sought to kill him ; 
but he passed through the midst of them, and went his 
way. 

For what purpose did Jesus soon after return 
to Jerusalem 1 

To attend the feast of the dedication ; and while there 
he cured a man who was born blind. 

After leaving Jerusalem, where did he go ? 



120 COMPEND OF SACRED HJSTORY. 

He went through Galilee and Samaria, teaching the 
people. 
What parables did he deliver during this 

journey 1 

The parables of the great supper, the lost sheep and 
piece of money, the prodigal son, the unjust steward, 
and the rich man and Lazarus. 

Who are mentioned as dwelling at Bethany ? 
A pious family consisting of two sisters named Mary 
and Martha, and a brother named Lazarus. 
What did Jesus hear concerning them ? 
That his friend Lazarus was sick and about to die. 

Did he go to Bethany immediately ? 

No : he remained where he was two days ; and when 
he came to Bethany, he found that Lazarus was dead, 
and had been buried four days. 

What mighty work did Jesus then perform ? 

He went to the grave of Lazarus, accompanied by his 
sisters and friends, and cried with a loud voice, saying, 
Lazarus, come forth. And the dead man arose, being 
restored to life. 

How was Jesus received on this his last visit 
to Jerusalem? 

A great multitude took branches of palm trees, and 
went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna to the son 
of David ! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the 
Lord ! Hosanna in the highest f 

How long before his death did this triumph 
take place? 
Only six days. 

How did he employ these last days of his life ? 

He was daily teaching in the temple, and the people 
listened to him with attention ; but the chief priests and 
elders were seeking how they might destroy him. 

What parables did he address to the people 
during this time % 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 121 

The parables of the vineyard and the marriage feast. 

How did he farther instruct his disciples ? 

He foretold to them his own death, and the destruction 
of Jerusalem ; he described to them the last judgment, 
and enforced his admonitions by the parables of the ten 
virgins and the five talents. 

How did his enemies endeavour to kill him? 

They resolved to take him by night if they could find 
him, as they feared to do it publicly, lest there might be 
an uproar among the people. 

By what means did they succeed in taking 
him ? 

Judas Iscariot, one of the apostles, engaged for thirty 
pieces of silver to betray him into their hands. 

What solemn rite did our Saviour institute to 
be kept in remembrance of his death ? 

The sacrament of the Lord's supper. 

When the supper was ended, where did they 
go? 

They went out of the city, and crossing the brook 
Kedron, came to a place called Gethsemane. 

What did Jesus then do ? 

He went a little farther, taking with him Peter, James, 
and John ; and his spirit was filled with anguish and 
agony. 

How did he evince the intensity of his suf- 
ferings ? 

He fell on the ground, and prayed three times, saying, 
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. 
And while he prayed he sweat great drops of blood. 

While speaking to his disciples soon after, 
what took place ? 

Judas came suddenly upon them, with a great multi- 
tude sent by the chief priests and elders : and they took 
him by force. 

Where did they take him and what became 
of his disciples ? 



122 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

They brought him to the house of Caiaphas the high 
priest, and all the disciples forsook him and fled. 

How did they endeavour to convict him % 

They brought many false witnesses ; but they contra- 
dicted each other, so that nothing was proved against 
him. 

As soon as it was day, where did they take 
him? 

To the council ; and the high priest said unto him, 
Tell us, art thou the Messiah, the Son of God ; and he 
answered, I am. 

What was the result of this answer ? 

The high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken 
blasphemy ; what farther need have we of witnesses ? 
whereupon the whole council declared him to be guilty 
of death. 

Where did they send him 1 

To Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor ; for it was not 
lawful for the council to put any man to death. 

How did Pilate act concerning him ? 

He was convinced of his innocence, and was anxious 
to release him ; but the Jews were determined to kill him, 
and Pilate, for fear of them, permitted him to be cru- 
cified. 

What charge, among others, did the Jews 
bring against him ? 

That he wished to make himself king. 

How did they endeavour to deride him on 
this charge ? 

They clothed him in purple, and put on him a scarlet 
robe, and made a crown of thorns for his head, and 
putting a reed in his hand, they mocked him, saying, 
Hail, king of the Jews ! 

What barbarous act of wickedness did they 
then commit ? 

They led him forth from Jerusalem to a place called 
Calvary ; and there they crucified him. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 123 

Who were crucified with him ? 
Two thieves ; one on his right hand, and the other 
on his left. 

How long did he remain alive on the cross ? 

Six hours, being from the third hour to the ninth. 

What took place at the sixth hour ? 
There was darkness over all the land until the ninth 
hour. 

What happened about the ninth hour ? 
Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, My God, my 
God, why hast thou forsaken me ? 

What then took place 1 

Jesus cried again, saying, Father, into thy hands I 
commend my spirit ; and having said thus, he bowed 
his head and gave up the ghost. 

What miraculous circumstances attended his 
death? 

The veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom ; 
and the earth quaked, and the rocks rent ; and the graves 
were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept 
arose. 

How were those watching him affected ? 

They feared greatly, and said, Truly this man was 
the Son of God. 

What became of his body 1 

It was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Ari- 
mathea, who wrapped it in fine linen, and laid it in a 
new sepulchre, hewn out of a rock. 

What did the Jews remember that Jesus had 
said? 

That after three days he would rise again. 

What measures did they adopt in reference 
to this ? 

A guard of Roman soldiers was appointed to watch 
the sepulchre, and a great stone was laid on the door of 
it, and sealed. 



124 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

Who were first at the tomb of Jesus on the 
morning of the third day ? 

Mary Magdalene, and two other women, who came 
with spices to embalm his body. 

What did they see when they came there ? 

Two angels stood by the sepulchre, who told them 
that Jesus had risen from the dead. 

By whom was our Lord seen that same day ? 

He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, and next to the 
other women, who came to the tomb ; afterward he was 
seen by two disciples as they went to Emmaus ; and in 
the evening by ten of the apostles. 

Upon what occasions was he afterward seen ? 

He appeared to the eleven apostles after eight days ; 
and again to several of them at the sea of Tiberias ; and 
afterward to five hundred brethren at once. 

How did he prepare his disciples for their 
future work ? 

He opened their understandings, and explained to 
them the Scriptures ; and commanded that his gospel 
should be preached throughout ail the world. 

What power did he promise to give them ? 

He said, In my name they shall cast out devils ; they 
shall speak with new tongues ; if they drink any deadly 
thing it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on the 
sick, and they shall recover. 

After he had fullv instructed them, what oc- 
curred ? 

He led them from Jerusalem to Bethany, and lifted up 
his hands and blessed them ; and while he was blessing 
them, he was taken up into heaven, and a cloud received 
him out of their sight. 

How long a period had elapsed from the re- 
surrection to the ascension of our Lord ? 
Forty days. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 125 

From the ascension of Christ to the close of the New 
Testament history \ comprising a period of sixty-three 
years. 

Whither did the apostles go after the ascension 
of Jesus Christ ? 

They returned to Jerusalem, and continued together 
in prayer, waiting for the Holy Ghost, which he had pro- 
mised to send them. 

What did they do in the mean time 1 

They appointed Matthias to be an apostle, in the place 
of Judas the traitor, who had hanged himself. 

When was the Holy Ghost given them ? 
Upon the day of pentecost, when they were all with 
one accord in one place. 

How was it communicated to them 1 
There suddenly came a sound from heaven, as of a 
rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where 
they were sitting : and they were all filled with the Holy 
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the 
Spirit gave them utterance. 

What effect did this produce in Jerusalem 

When it was noised abroad, the multitude came to- 
gether, among whom were men of every nation ; and 
they were all amazed, because every man heard them 
in his own language. 

Why was the city at this time so full of 
strangers ? 

Because the people had assembled to celebrate the 
feast of pentecost. 

What did Peter and the other apostles then do? 

They stood up before the multitude, and exhorted 
them to believe on the Lord Jesus, to repent of their 
sins, and be saved. 

What was the result of their preaching ? 

A great number gladly believed and were baptized ; 



126 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

and the same day there were added to the church about 
three thousand souls. 

What miracle did Peter and John soon after 
perform ? 

They cured a man who had been lame from his birth. 

What improvement did the apostles make of 
this circumstance ? 

When they saw that the people were astonished at 
their power, they preached unto them the doctrine that 
Jesus was the one of whom the prophets had spoken. 

What took place while they were thus en- 
gaged? 

The priests and Sadducees came upon them, and put 
them in prison until the next day. 

What happened on the morrow ? 

When the rulers found that the apostles had done 
nothing for which they could punish them, they let them 
go ; but commanded that they should no longer preach 
in the name of Jesus. 

How did the apostles act upon receiving this 
command? 

They all united in prayer that God would strengthen 
and direct them ; whereupon the Holy Ghost again fell 
upon them, and they preached the gospel with great 
success. 

How did the disciples regard each other ? 

They that believed were of one heart and one soul ; 
and those that had houses and lands sold them, and 
brought the money to the apostles, so that they had all 
things in common. 

What is said of Ananias and Sapphira ? 

They also sold a possession, and brought a part of the 
money to the apostles ; but tried to deceive them, say- 
ing that the land sold for only so much. 

What happened to them on account of this 
sinful conduct? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 127 

They were both suddenly struck dead. 

How did the apostles continue their work? 

They wrought many signs and wonders, and multi- 
tudes of believers were added to the church. And all 
that were sick in the cities round about Jerusalem were 
brought unto them, and were healed. 

How did their enemies endeavour to stop their 
progress 1 

They again laid their hands upon them, and put them 
in prison. 

In what manner were the apostles released ? 

An angel of the Lord opened the prison, doors by night, 
and brought them out. 

What report was brought to the council the 
next day 1 

That the men whom they had put in prison were 
standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 

What did the council then do ? 

They sent for the apostles, and caused them to be 
beaten, and again charged them that they should not 
preach in the name of Jesus. 

How did the apostles justify their disobedience 
of this command % 

They said that they ought to obey God rather than 
men. 

What was the name of the first Christian 
martyr. 

Stephen ; a man full of faith and power, who did 
great wonders and miracles among the people. 

Why did his enemies wish to destroy him 7 
Because, in attempting to dispute with him, they were 

unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he 

spake. 

What did they do to gratify their revenge ? 
They set up false witnesses, who said, We have heard 



128 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

him speak blasphemous words against Moses and 
against God. 

How did they kill him ? 

They cast him out of the city, and stoned him. 

Who was among the murderers of Stephen ? 

Saul of Tarsus, afterward called Paul, a distinguish- 
ed Jew of the sect of the Pharisees, and a chief among 
the persecutors of the Christians. 

What took place after the death of Stephen ? 

There arose a great persecution of the church at Je- 
rusalem, and the disciples were scattered abroad 
throughout Judea and Samaria ; and Saul made great 
havoc among them, entering into every house, and 
committing men and women to prison. 

How did Saul farther show his hatred to the 
Christians ? 

He went unto the high priest, and desired of him 
letters to Damascus, that if he found any disciples there, 
whether men or women, he might bring them bound to 
Jerusalem. 

What happened to him on his journey? 

At mid-day a great light from heaven suddenly 
shone around about him ; and he fell to the earth, 
and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why 
persecutest thou me ? and he said, Who art thou, Lord ? 
and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 

How was he affected, and what did he say ? 

Saul, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt 
thou have me to do ? upon which he was directed to 
proceed to Damascus, where he would be told what to do. 

Was Saul disobedient to this heavenly vision ? 

No : he arose from the earth, and was led by the hand*? 
to Damascus ; and for three days he was without sight/ 
neither did he eat or drink. 

What took place at Damascus in the mean 
time ? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 129 

The Lord appeared in a vision to a disciple named 
Ananias, and having told him what had happened to 
Saul, directed him to go to him, and restore unto him 
his sight. 

What did Saul do after this ? 

He joined himself to the disciples ; and straightway 
preached in the synagogues, that Jesus was the Son of 
God. 

How were the people who heard him affected ? 

They were amazed, and said, Is not this he that de- 
stroyed so many in Jerusalem, and who came hither 
also for the same purpose ? 

What were the immediate consequences of 
Saul's conversion ? 

The churches had rest throughout all Judea, and Ga- 
lilee, and Samaria, and many believed, so that the num- 
ber of the saints was greatly multiplied. 

How long did this rest continue ? 

About twelve years ; during which time the apostles 
unceasingly preached the gospel, and churches were 
established throughout a great part of Asia, and many in 
Europe and Africa. 

What two miracles did Peter perform during 
this time ? 

He cured a man at Lydda, who had been sick of the 
palsy eight years, and raised from the dead a woman, 
named Dorcas, living at Joppa. 

What circumstance occurred to Peter while 
at Joppa ? 

He saw a remarkable vision, by which he was instruct- 
ed that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles 
as well as to the Jews. 

Who was among the first of the Gentile dis- 
ciples ? 

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who resided at Ce- 
sarea. 

9 



130 COMPEND OF SACRED HIST0R1. 

In what heathen city was the gospel most 
successfully preached ? 

In Antioch, where Paul and Barnabas laboured for a 
whole year ; and it was in this place that the disciples 
were first called Christians. 

Who was at this time king of Judea ? 
Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great. 

What wicked acts was he guilty of? 

He slew James the brother of John ; and put Peter 
in prison, intending to put him also to death. 

How did Peter escape ? 

An angel came down by night, and having unloosed 
his chains, led him forth out of the prison. 

How was Herod punished for his wickedness 
soon after this ? 

The angel of the Lord smote him, and he died in 
great pain and misery. 

Where did Paul and Barnabas next go ? 

They went to Cyprus, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, Ico- 
nium, Lystra, and other places ; and having preached to 
the Gentiles with wonderful success, they returned to 
Antioch in Syria. 

What did Paul afterward determine to do 7 

To visit every city where he had before preached, that 
he might deliver the decrees of the apostles, and confirm 
the faith of the churches. 

To what places did he go ? 

He went through Syria and Cilicia, and the region of 
Galatia, until he came to Troas; thence he crossed 
over into Macedonia, and came to Neapolis and Phi- 
lippi- 

How was he received at Philippi ? 

The multitude rose up against him, and Silas who 
was with him ; and after having beaten them, they thrust 
them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in 
the stocks. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 131 

What took place while they were in prison ? 

They prayed, and sung praises to God ; and at mid- 
night there was suddenly a great earthquake, so that the 
foundations of the prison were shaken ; and immediately 
all the doors were opened, and every man's bands were 
loosed. 

What effect had this upon the jailer ? 

He fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, and 
said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? and they spake 
unto him the word of the Lord, and he believed : and in 
that same hour of the night he and all his house were 
baptized. 

Where did the apostles go after leaving Phi- 

lippi ? 

They went to Thessalonica, where Paul left Silas and 
Timothy, and journeyed himself to Athens and Corinth, 
where he abode for a long time, and preached the gospel 
with great success. 

How long did he remain at Corinth 1 

Eighteen months, during which time he wrote the two 
epistles to the Thessalonians, and the epistle to the 
Galatians. 

Where did Paul go after leaving Corinth ? 
He went about from city to city, until he came to 
Ephesus, where he abode two years. 

What was the result of his preaching at 
Ephesus ? 

The word of God grew mightily, so that a great many 
believed, and ceased to worship their idol. 

What opposition did Paul encounter at 
Ephesus 1 

Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines 
for the goddess Diana, with others of like occupation, 
fearing that their craft was in danger, called the people 
together, and excited them against Paul and the disciples. 

What effect did they thus produce ? 



132 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

The whole city was filled with confusion, and the 
people rushed with one accord to the theatre, and for 
the space of two hours they cried out, Great is Diana 
of the Ephesians. 

How were the people appeased ? 

The town clerk spoke, and said, Ye men of Ephesus, 
ye ought to be quiet, and do nothing rashly ; for ye have 
brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of 
churches, nor blasphemers of your goddess ; and if 
Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him have 
a matter against any man, it shall be determined in a 
lawful assembly. 

After thus reasoning with the people, what did 
he do? 

He quietly dismissed the assembly, and the uproar 
ceased. 

Which of his epistles did Paul write at Ephe- 
sus? 

The first epistle to the Corinthians. 

Where did Paul go after leaving Ephesus? 

He went first to Macedonia, and afterward to Jeru- 
salem, passing through Philippi, Troas, Miletus, Rhodes, 
Tyre, and other places. 

What epistles did Paul write during this time ? 

The second epistle to the Corinthians, first to Timo- 
thy, and the epistle to the Romans, which latter was 
.written at Corinth. 

How was he treated at Jerusalem ? 

He was violently assaulted by the Jews, and would 
have been put to death, but was rescued by the chief 
captain, and sent to Felix the governor at Cesarea. 

What charges did the Jews bring against 
Paul? 

They said that he was a pestilent fellow, a mover of 
sedition, and ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 

What was done with him at Cesarea? 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 133 

He remained bound in prison for two years, although 
nothing was proved against him, until Festus became 
governor in place of Felix. 

How did Festus, the new governor, act to- 
ward Paul ? 

He, being more anxious to please the Jews than to 
do justice to Paul, proposed to send him to Jerusalem to 
be tried there. 

What objection did Paul make to this ? 

He said, I stand at Cesar's judgment seat, where I 
ought to be judged : to the Jews have I done no wrong, 
as thou very well knowest ; for if I have committed 
any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die ; therefore, 
I appeal unto Cesar. 

What did he mean by appealing unto Cesar ? 

It was a law of the empire, that no Roman citizen 
should be put to death without being permitted to have 
his case tried before the emperor. 

Who came to Cesarea while Paul was in 
prison ? 

King Agrippa, and his sister Bernice ; and Paul, be- 
ing brought before them and permitted to speak for him- 
self, recounted the particulars of his life, conversion, and 
doctrines. 

When Paul finished his defence, what did the 
king say? 

He said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be 
a Christian. 

What decision did the king make respecting 
him 1 

He said, This man hath done nothing worthy of death 
or of bonds ; and he might have been set at liberty if he 
had not appealed unto Cesar. 

What was then done with him ? 

He was delivered to a Roman officer, with other pri- 
soners, to be taken to Italy ; and set sail from Cesarea 
in a ship of Adramyttium. 






134 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

How did their voyage begin ? 

They touched at Sidon, and sailing past Cyprus, they 
came to Myra, where they removed into another ship 
which was going to Italy. 

How did they proceed on their voyage after 
leaving Myra? 

They sailed very slowly, as the winds were contrary ; 
so that the season was spent, and the sailing became 
very dangerous. 

What did Paul say to encourage them when 
the danger became imminent ? 

I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no 
loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship only. 
For an angel stood by me this night, saying, Fear not, 
Paul, thou must be brought before Cesar, and lo, God 
bath given thee all them that sail with thee. 

What was the result of this voyage ? 

They were shipwrecked upon the island of Melita, 
now called Malta ; but the whole ship's company, con- 
sisting of two hundred and seventy-six persons, escaped 
safe to land. 

How were they treated by the inhabitants of 
the island ? 

The people showed them great kindness, and while 
they remained there they were entertained courteously ; 
and Paul in return healed all that came unto him that 
were diseased. 

How long did they remain on the island % 
Three months : after which they departed in a ship of 
Alexandria, and arrived in safety at Rome. 

What was done with Paul after his arrival at 
Rome? 

He was delivered to the captain of the guard, and 
remained there two years, which time he diligently em- 
ployed in preaching the gospel and writing several 
epistles. 



COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 135 

To whom were the epistles then written ad- 
dressed ? 

To the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and He- 
brews, and also to Philemon. 

When released from prison, where did Paul 
go? 

He went from Italy to Spain, and thence to Ju- 
dea, and after visiting Philippi, Macedonia, and Ephe- 
sus, he returned to Rome, where he was imprisoned by 
the emperor Nero. 

Where were his other epistles written from ? 

The epistle to Titus was written from Macedonia, and 
the second epistle to Timothy from Rome. 

What is the last event recorded in the Bible ? 

The banishment of the apostle John to the isle of 
Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation, about 
ninety-six years after the birth of Christ. 



Sacred history closes" with the account of 
Paul's imprisonment at Rome, and John's 
banishment to the isle of Patmos. The subse- 
quent lives of the apostles are not fully detailed 
in the writings of the early Christian fathers, but 
from them we gather the following particulars. 

Peter continued for many years to preach the 
gospel to the Jews who were scattered abroad, 
and was finally crucified at Rome by order of 
the emperor Nero. Paul preached to the Gen- 
tiles, founded churches in many countries, 
and closed his useful life by suffering martyr- 
dom at Rome, having been beheaded on the 
same day that Peter was crucified. Andrew 
ivas put to death at Patras, by order of the 






136 COMPEND OF SACRED HISTORY. 

governor, whom he was endeavouring to con- 
vert. Philip died for the faith in Phrygia ; Bar- 
tholomew in Armenia ; Thomas in Judea ; and 
Matthias in Cappadocia. No record is left of 
the death of Matthew, or of Simon the Canaanite. 
John survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and 
died at Ephesus, aged one hundred years. 



THE END. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
(724) 779-21 1 1 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 325 354 5 % 



